THE NIGHTCOMERS
UK, 1972, 92 minutes, Colour.
Marlon Brando, Stephanie Beacham, Harry Andrews, Thora Hird.
Directed by Michael Winner.
The Nightcomers is an example of a writer's ingenuity. Henry James's short novel - The Turn of the Screw - is rather enigmatic in its description of the events and their aura of mystery. (Jack Clayton filmed this novella in 1961 as The Innocents). Playwright Michael Hastings has taken a 'realistic' interpretation of The Turn of the Screw and written a novel and screenplay of what might have happened before James's novel opened. Thus, for those interested in James's work, The Nightcomers is fascinating.
The film is quite interesting in itself, creating a rather foetid Victorian atmosphere, surface respectability, ugliness underneath, with possible corruption of the innocence of the two children in the story. The atmosphere of period is well communicated and raises many questions about human behaviour and morals as well as the power of one person over another. Marlon Brando gives a striking performance as Peter Quint, the gruff and loathsome Irish gardener. It dates from about the same period as Last Tango in Paris. Director is English Michael Winner, who is now more famous for his action thrillers with Charles Bronson, such as - The Mechanic, The Stone Killer, Death Wish.
1. What is the meaning of the title and atmosphere it indicates?
2. If you have read Henry James, "The Turn of the Screw", how did this film make the pre-story credible?
3. What did the film have to say about the moral atmosphere of the nineteenth century,' its hypocrisy? How was this communicated?
4. Your impressions of the children's guardian - a typical aloof nineteenth century gentleman, uninterested in the well-being of his niece and nephew -arrogant disregard of them? How was this shown by his instructions to Mrs Gross, and that Peter Quint had to run alongside him to receive instructions? Did this add to the tone of the film and plight of the children?
5. Impressions of the children - innocent, delightful, moulded by their environment? As nineteenth century children, precocious in their education?
6. Impressions of Peter Quint - as portrayed by Marion Brando? His look, hair, cleanliness, accent - rough Irish? His influence on the children and their loyalty to him? His arrogance, laziness, wheedling? Give your impressions of the incident with the toad. Was this a symbol of himself?
7. Impressions of Miss Jessell - did she seem evil? Her treatment of the children, conduct of the lessons, relationship with Mrs. Gross? Were you surprised to find that Miss Jessell was under the power of Peter Quint? Was this sufficiently explained? Butterflies were discussed - did this symbolise Miss Jessell?
8. Impressions of Mrs Gross - typical nineteenth century housekeeper? Her severity, morality, reading of the Bible, interfering in peoples lives? Was she responsible for the children?
9. How did the film create a foetid atmosphere - evil, distasteful, unhealthy?
10. How well was the relationship shown between Quint and Miss Jessell - the sexuality, sadistic aspects?
11. Your reaction when you found the two children were spying on the two adults especially during their sexual relationship? What effect did it have on the children as they imitated? How horrified was Miss Jessell? Why didn't it change her?
12. Comment on the clashes between Miss Jessell and Peter Quint. Why was she unable to regain her freedom?
13. How was the evil in the children drawn? In their manipulation of Peter
Quint and Miss Jessell? Were they child-like at all? Comment on the incident where they trapped Mrs. Gross in the tree-house.
14. Who was responsible for Miss Jesse’s death? Why was she a drowned butterfly? Was it the fault of the children? What responsibility did Peter Quint have?
15. The significance of the fact that Miles shot Peter Quint with the arrow? Why did the children become executioners? How was the toad symbolism fulfilled in Quint's death and what effect did these deaths have on the children?
16. Comment on the irony of the new governess arriving and Mrs Gross presenting the children as innocent.
17. How did the film explore the themes of good and evil? Innocence and evil? The influence of adults on children? How pessimistic a film was this?
