An English film director known for his pioneering work in television and film and for his controversial style. He has been criticised as being over-obsessed with sexuality and the church. His subject matter is often about famous composers, or based on other works of art which he adapted loosely. He is best known for his Oscar-winning film Women in Love (1969), The Devils (1971), The Who's Tommy (1975) and the science fiction film Altered States (1980).