4/10
A Bit Bland
7 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting location in Spain, nice and sunny, however, it was a bit bland (and obvious) and I never felt any tension or anxiety throughout. Sadie Frost as the governess was mediocre at best, although she had a certain sexiness and wanton look about her which tied in with the underlying sexual tension. There is a full frontal of her, which although attractive, moves the film further from any unsettling atmosphere. The other actors were fine with Lauran Bacall taking the acting honours.

An example of why it did not generate any feelings of nervousness was the appearance on the water, which was so badly done and so obvious in how it was achieved. Contrast that with the same appearance in The innocents, the 1963 version of Turn of the Screw, where the appearance was genuinely creepy and unsettling.

So although worth watching, The Innocents remains the best version of The Turn of the Screw, as the acting of all, particularly Flora, and Miles with his knowingness, is far superior (apart from Lauran), and is a genuinely creepy and unsettling film.
4 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed