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.
Presence of Mind
1999
Action / Drama / Horror / Thriller
Presence of Mind
1999
Action / Drama / Horror / Thriller
Plot summary
A governess, caring for two children at a remote estate, becomes convinced that the grounds are haunted and the children are under an evil influence.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
February 24, 2020 at 03:48 AM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
A Bit Bland
Rating should be "R" instead of PG-13
I am surprise this movie only received a PG-13 rating? The frontal nudity and taboo subjects explored in this film warrants a "R" rating. I know European rating standards are different from the United States,but there should be a warning on the DVD. The movie wasn't scary as it tempted to address the psychological affects ghosts has on the children. I have seen several versions of this story based on Herny James "Turn of the Screw" This version rates average. The costumes and acting is far superior than the screenplay. The best "Haunted children movies" is by far Nicole Kidman's "The Others" brilliant acting and screenplay, which was influenced by "The Turn of the Screw" I have a bone to pick. Why hire a actor whose accent is not the same as the rest of the cast? That can be so annoying.