Next up in the Criterion Channel's lineup is The Nightcomers, featuring Marlon Brando. This is a film I had never seen or heard of before. It is based on characters from "The Turn of the Screw," and is a prequel to that story.
"If you love someone, you want to kill them."
The Gist
Two orphaned children are left in the care of their housekeeper and governess by their only living relative who has no interest in being responsible for them. The former valet, now gardener, Peter Quint, is just the sort of creepy, unbalanced fellow you would not want to have hanging around and influencing children, especially when Miles spies on his trysts with the governess and decides to reenact scenes of bondage with his sister, Flora. Quint has a peculiar philosophy about love that he imparts to the children, to his own doom.
Memorable Moments
Thoughts
Perhaps I would have appreciated this film more if I could recall events from "Turn of the Screw" better. The acting was fine, and while I am not opposed to a slow build up, I felt like I had to drag myself through the movie and hope it would redeem itself in the end, which it did. With so many movies to watch, I don't know if I will want to see this one again, though it may be interesting to follow this film up with The Innocents.
1 comment:
Thanks for your overview of the film. Haven't seen this one yet, but I am curious about it because of the cast and the "Turn of the Screw" connection. I'll have to check it out.
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