Behind the Gothic Brilliance of The Innocents (1961) | A Masterclass in Symbolism

[@RogerKirby13]

What a great video essay, Miriam. This movie scared me as a kid and I appreciated it even more after I had read the James story. James has become one of my favorite writers and I loved the way you connected back to his life and work. James himself was an emotionally repressed figure especially as regards to sex and I think that comes through in his depiction of the governess. Your focus on windows and their importance in gothic movies was fascinating. I will be re-watching the movie soon. I am currently re-reading The Portrait of a Lady for a series I am doing on Nicole Kidman who I think was a great Isabelle Archer.

[@MiriamVintageClassics]

Thank you so much for your comment, Roger. Reading The Turn of the Screw also made a difference for me as I watched this film. You are so right that his own personality influenced this story and others he wrote. I am so glad you will be watching it again soon. I hope it does bring something new after this video! I have yet to read The Portrait of a Lady, that is a good reminder to do so soon was well. Thanks again!

[@celinhabr1]

It's one of my favorite horror movies, it's perfectly done. Thank you for this!

[@MiriamVintageClassics]

It’s become a favorite for me too, thank you for watching!

[@carmenfigueras971]

I always discover something new through your videos. I was surprised to see Deborah Kerr in a facet unknown to me. One more reason to enjoy the cinema thanks to you. ❤

[@MiriamVintageClassics]

That is the best thing I have read, it made my day! Thank you 💓

[@robertstephens156]

At about 7:45 you state the novella was published in 1989. It was originally published in 1898.

[@MiriamVintageClassics]

@@robertstephens156 That is absolutely true, I will put a disclaimer. Thank you for letting me know.

[@anonz975]

Thank you; that was very interesting. BTW your annunciation style is very ASMR, might want to add that to the video tags so you can attract that audience too.

[@MiriamVintageClassics]

You are not the first person to tell me that. Thank you for watching.

[@iainsan]

I first saw this film when I was eight and it made a huge impression on me. At that age, I took it at face value, as a ghost story. For years afterwards, I could not bear my bedroom curtains not to be drawn across the windows at night, lest I see Quint staring in at me. Also, the black-clad, weeping ghost of Miss Jessel greatly scared me. In one scene, she appears to be floating on the surface of the lake on a bright summer's day, which is not what one expects in a traditional ghost story. This image, I am sure, influenced Susan Hill in her novel 'The Woman in Black', which is also about a malign spirit who causes direct harm to innocent children. Later, when older, I read the novel and re-watched the film, taking into account the psychological aspects. I agree that Deborah Kerr's performance is excellent, although she is perhaps a little old for the part. Still, perhaps a younger actress could not have pulled it off as well as she does. Thank you for this interesting video.

[@maxdewinter9472]

Not a horror movie fan either, but I do like this type of film where the scare is through the build up of mystery, atomosphere, and the viewer's imagination of what might be around the corner. I'll have to see this again real soon. It must be sometime since I last saw this film, as the clips you played only looked vaguely familiar. Perfect for a chilliy November night. Thanks for your analysis of the symbolism. Something I would be clueless about otherwise.

[@MiriamVintageClassics]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. I also prefer psychological terror and suspense. Particularly those that somehow highlight the fine line between mental stability and disturbance, I find so chilling. Henry James book is also worth reading.

[@Kjt853]

I’ve long believed that “The Innocents” and 1963’s “The Haunting” would make a great double bill. I also wonder if the Freudian interpretation (that the ghosts are manifestations of a spinster-governess’s sexual repression) would work if, as in the novella, the governess had been approximately 20 years old, a young lady with a lifetime ahead of her and the possibility of marriage and children of her own.

[@RWAC685]

The Innocents Is A Masterpiece.

[@MoxieMcMurder]

Love this film.

[@MiriamVintageClassics]

Brilliant film!