The trailer omits the actual worm, which was a bit underwhelming. Unless you wake up in a cold sweat at the thought of papier-mâché. Amanda Donohoe fueled some adolescent agitation for me on this film.
I really, really do need to see Women in Love (1969) and The Devils (1971). And there Russell has yet another version of Moll Flanders coming next year. The gold standard btw is the mini featuring Alex Kingston (and her improbable nipples). The Morgan Freeman abortion is dire. Even magic negro nipples couldn't help it.
The Devils is alright, but I think largely overhyped. But, if you want some good Ken Russell crazy more in his 80s vein, Crimes of Passion is more entertaining.
I worked as a secretary at NYU's Art History department about ten years ago, and can vouch for the fact that Robert Rosenblum (one of the great art historians of the last fifty years) was a big fan of this film.