The Innocents (1961)
Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr), though inexperienced, is hired as governess for Flora and Miles. Their Uncle, charged with their care since they were orphaned, wants someone he can trust to take complete charge of the children and not to bother him with any aspect of their care.
The estate is beautiful, the housekeeper friendly, and Flora's delightful and welcoming. When Miles is expelled from boarding school, Miss Giddens has a difficult time determining why -- but chooses to hope for the best and act as a fair and firm guardian.
As Miss Giddens learns more of the backstory of the estate and the children, she begins to fear for them and becomes convinced that she must protect them. The reactions of Miss Giddens reminded me quite a bit of George C. Scott's in The Changeling -- neither screamed nor froze; both were more curious and determined to force change. The difference is that the governess here seems less mechanical and more compelled -- she was palpably tense where Scott seemed simply cold.
The performances are top-notch (even from the children!) and the story's compelling and unpredictable.
A-
The estate is beautiful, the housekeeper friendly, and Flora's delightful and welcoming. When Miles is expelled from boarding school, Miss Giddens has a difficult time determining why -- but chooses to hope for the best and act as a fair and firm guardian.
As Miss Giddens learns more of the backstory of the estate and the children, she begins to fear for them and becomes convinced that she must protect them. The reactions of Miss Giddens reminded me quite a bit of George C. Scott's in The Changeling -- neither screamed nor froze; both were more curious and determined to force change. The difference is that the governess here seems less mechanical and more compelled -- she was palpably tense where Scott seemed simply cold.
The performances are top-notch (even from the children!) and the story's compelling and unpredictable.
A-
posted by MeMe | 12:58 AM
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