Horrorshow: The Turn of the Screw

So far this year, my horror movie selections have pretty much been limited to what's been on the shelf at the local library. That's led to some pretty interesting selections (more on that later). I saw this title, though, and remember that a friend recommended it, so I checked it out.

Truth be told, I had a lot of trouble following the story in the Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of The Turn of the Screw. I'll credit most of that to a breakneck pace set by a very condensed script. I suppose I could also shuffle some of the blame onto the low volume I play most movies at now, since my roommates go to bed at 9:00 most nights.

Subtitles are important, and some movies just don't have them.

That said, there were some good moments. The supposed "ghosts" were sufficiently ominous and impressive in their appearances (although the music in this particular production does them no favors). The scenery and some bits of cinematography were also pretty impressive for a "made for public TV production." But, for me, the real draws to this show are the children.

Creepy kids are a common trope in horror fiction, and The Turn of the Screw has got two notable examples. The young girl is all sweet and innocent, but she's got a certain edge that makes you question her sincerity. The fact that she looks a bit like a Culkin kid doesn't make her any more sympathetic, either.

The same goes for the boy who plays Miles. His odd familiarity with the governess unsettles the viewer far more than any loud strikes at the piano keys, and the actor keeps his face a blank just enough to hide whatever he's thinking while still presenting a veneer of innocence.

So, yeah, it wasn't my favorite movie, but it does make me want to go pick up the book - which, unless I'm very much mistaken, is probably exactly what the masterminds behind Masterpiece Theatre would want. Well, that and maybe for me to fill up my gas tank.

It was sponsored by ExxonMobil. That's all.