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Benjamin Britten’s haunting and sinister opera, composed in 1954, is based on the famous novella written by Henry James in 1898.
Katie Mitchell’s atmospheric and innovative film of the opera returns to the late 19th century setting of the original tale, to a world where it is hard to tell ghosts from mere reflections in the glass.
There have been many discussions about what happened to the children in both the novella and Britten’s opera.
This production, with an inspired cast led by excellent performances from Lisa Milne and Mark Padmore, remains true to both sources.
The rich, dark imagery entices the viewer, exposing the deepest layers of the tantalising, unnamed and hidden past relationships between the two servants and the children in one of the greatest operas of the 20th century.
"The transference of opera to film can be fraught with difficulties . However in the present case, it is a wonderful success Ghost stories, perhaps, would seem ideal candidates, and Henry James' story in Benjamin Britten's setting emerges magnificently." - Colin Clarke, Music Web Internatioal
'The old trees, the thick shrubbery ...' of Henry James's description are omnipresent in this enthralling production for the spectral figures of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel to stalk through…” “... splendidly captured musically and visually ...” The Governess (Lisa Milne)sings throughout her exacting part with skill and understanding. “…drama, so splendidly captured musically and visually in this gripping performance…” - Robert Anderson, Music Video Daily
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