Britten - Turn of the Screw 2007 Horror Movie Review

This DVD of the Aix-en-Provence production is very satisfactory, both musically and dramatically.  The direction is intelligent, the design elegant and simple; the small stage and spare visual effects manage to create some really hair-raising images.  Any version of this opera rests primarily on its female lead, and Mireille Delunsch doesn’t disappoint.  Her musicianship and acting are exemplary; perhaps her slight French accent could be faulted in this most Anglo piece, but that’s my only quibble.  The children are fine, although Flora’s a bit on the phlegmatic side.  The prologue here is sung by the children’s uncle, an interesting idea.  Quint and Jessel are excellent, appropriately florid and spooky (although Jessel’s gift of a modern lipstick to Flora is a howler).  I haven’t seen the other available DVDs of this piece, but hard to see how they could top this one.  Recommended.