Presence of Mind (1999)

Henry James' classic tale of terror The Turn of the Screw receives yet another screen adaptation in this thriller shot in Spain. A young woman (Sadie Frost) is hired to serve as a governess... See full summary »

Director:

Antoni Aloy

Writers:

Henry James (novel), Antoni Aloy (screenplay),

Stars:

Sadie Frost, Jack Taylor, Tom Keller

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sadie Frost	...	Governess
Jack Taylor	...	Father
Tom Keller	...	Photographer
María Dulce Roselló	...	Mourner 1
Lydia Zimmermann	...	Mourner 2
Luz Fortuny	...	Mourner 3
Jude Law	...	Secretary
Harvey Keitel	...	The Master
Daniel Isidro	...	Coachman
Juana Ginzo	...	Bel (as Juana Guinzo)
Carmen Pons	...	Aina
Lauren Bacall	...	Mado Remei
Ella Jones	...	Flora
Agustí Villaronga	...	Fosc
Nilo Mur	...	Miles

Storyline

Henry James' classic tale of terror The Turn of the Screw receives yet another screen adaptation in this thriller shot in Spain. A young woman (Sadie Frost) is hired to serve as a governess for two children, Miles and Flora (Nilo Mur and Ella Jones). She is hired by their uncle, the Master (Harvey Keitel), who became the guardian of the youngsters after the death of their parents. While the governess is initially enthusiastic about her job, Miles and Flora soon prove to be quite a handful, and the housekeeper Mrs. Grose (Lauren Bacall), who oversees most of the activities at the Master's estate, is openly antagonistic to her. Before long, the governess discovers the house bears a dark secret involving Miss Jessel (Dayne Danika), the previous governess, and Fosc (Agusti Villaronga), the Master's former valet. El Celo was the first feature from director Antoni Aloy.

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Plot Keywords:

governess | children | uncle | rear nudity | dead child | 

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Genres:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

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Details

Country:

Spain USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 April 2001 (Spain)

Also Known As:

A Outra Volta do Parafuso

Filming Locations:

Bunyola, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Enrique Cerezo Producciones Cinematográficas S.A., Presence of Mind LLC, Televisión Española (TVE)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of Le tour d'écrou (2001)

User Reviews

A stunning re-adaptation of a Henry James classic.

I had the privilege to watch the world premiere screening of this film at the San Sebastian International Film Festival. It is a visually stunning film that draws you in from the very beginning. This first-time director from Mallorca, Spain, was fortunate to have two powerful actors in his film

• Harvey Keitel and Lauren Bacall - and used them both superbly. Bacall's

performance was the most impressive as well as the rich costumes and set designs. Nilo Mur, in the role of Miles, was the surprise enchantment of the film. Don't miss it!