Seance on a Wet Afternoon [DVD] [1964] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]
![Seance on a Wet Afternoon [DVD] [1964] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NYNCHX30L._SL160_.jpg) RRP Lowest New Price £29.86 
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Homevision Release date: Tuesday 24th of September 2002 Starring: Director(s): Format: Black & White, DVD-Video, NTSC, Widescreen, Region code: 1 Running time: 115 minutes Language: English (Original Language) |
Gerry Turpin's precise b/w cinematography and John Barry's chilling score add significantly to the atmosphere of dread, and if the plot has one or two gaping holes, Forbes's direction covers them deftly. Forbes explored female delusion again in The Whispers (1967) and The Mad Woman of Chaillot (1969); the film also marked a major entry in his long-term collaboration with John Barry and with his wife, the actress Nanette Newman. Séance clearly had an influence on Attenborough's own directorial contribution to the genre, the highly unsettling Anthony Hopkins vehicle, Magic (1978). On the DVD: Séance on a Wet Afternoon is presented in an excellent 16:9 transfer, anamorphically enhanced for widescreen televisions, that effectively captures the brooding look of Gerry Tupin's BAFTA-nominated cinematography. Unfortunately the print used, though generally very good, does show some damage, including some instances that appear to run through the best part of a reel. Though noticeable and sometimes distracting, they barely mar this gripping film. The mono soundtrack is fine, though there is the very occasional touch of distortion. The disc comes with optional English subtitles, the excellent original trailer and a new and first-rate 33-minute interview with Bryan Forbes in which he engagingly explains every aspect of the making of the film. --Gary S Dalkin
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
An intensely claustrophobic nail-biter to rival prime Hitchcock, 1964's Séance on a Wet Afternoon is a classic British thriller written and directed by Bryan Forbes. Set largely in an imposing Gothic house in north London, the film stars Richard Attenborough as Bill Savage, a man struggling to maintain his marriage to his increasingly unbalanced wife, Myra, played in an Oscar-nominated performance by the little-known but brilliant Broadway actress Kim Stanley. Myra, who believes she is a medium, plans a scheme that will make her famous, involving kidnapping then "psychically" locating a little girl. Attenborough (who won a BAFTA) and Stanley are both superb in what is part riveting battle of wills, part nerve-wracking kidnap thriller with, just possibly, a touch of the supernatural.
Move Over Hitchcock!
Review date: 2010-01-20 Rating: 10 out of 10
(RELAX: I DON'T DO SPOLIERS!)
The only reason I'm giving this film five stars is because I can't give it six.
If ever a film excels on every level, this is it. Part of its ingenuity is that the plot and characters reveal themselves slowly rather than being spelled out from the offset - this helps to create the intrigue and suspense that, in part, make this dark and unsettling 'thriller' so powerful. As the disturbing nature of what is actually occurring unfolds one is helplessly drawn to the heart of the drama.
The use of black and white photography augments the subject matter and cinematographer Gerry Turpin brings emotion and narrative to life with inventive and skilful camerawork. He depicts the twists and turns of the plot with exacting angles and appropriate and measured use of camera movement. Director Bryan Forbes (best known for Whistle Down the Wind, King Rat and The Stepford Wives) knew exactly how to pace and manage the drama to devastating affect. He lays down clues but keeps you guessing whilst all the while reminding you that you are watching a very human tragedy.
What makes this all the more impressive, and arguably more convincing than many other films of this genre, is that it was made on a very low budget and entirely on location - i.e. in a Gothic house in South London, around Leicester Square, Piccadilly and on the London Underground system. These scenes, involving a ransom demand, are among the tensest and most gripping of any British thriller. Furthermore, they were a foray into Cinéma Vérité and guerrilla film making - not only did the budget constraints necessitate these measures, but London byelaws dictate that tripods can't be set up on pavements. Hence Forbes and Turpin filmed some of these scenes handheld from the back of a car and with a zoom lens from a roof top in Leicester Square. The result is tense, gritty and outshines similar scenes in myriad high-budget thrillers filmed in studios.
Added to this technical innovation and excellence are some of the greatest screen performances I have ever seen. Richard Attenborough's understated delivery perfectly compliments Kim Stanley's dynamic and vivid performance. The synergy between their characters is tragic and tortured yet somehow still manages to engage our sympathy. It is the foundation upon which the rest of the film is built. In their climactic argument you feel as if they have dispensed with the script and are actually living the scene - helped, in part, by Stanley's commitment to the American school of Method Acting. The fact that Stanley did not win an Oscar for her performance proves that awards are not a true measure of quality.
These performances make Hitchcock's characters look like cardboard cut outs. The final scene is devastating and Stanley's performance here is one of the finest moments in 20th century cinema - I kid you not.
I always thought that the term 'jaw-dropping' was a figure of speech until I watched this film. Do yourself a favour - stop reading this review and buy the DVD.
Reviews
Gripping and unnerving
Review date: 2009-10-03 Rating: 10 out of 10
I caught this one afternoon on tv and was gripped; the acting is unnerving, and the script and photography first class, and very atmospheric. I found the film frightening as it moved along, and the heartbreak of the Parents whose child the couple have kidnapped could really be felt. Made in 1964, the film is in B/W, and shows a London that has gone now-this adds to the atmosphere of the film , and Ive ordered it on a dvd to keep. You will not be disappointed with this pyschological thriller. First class all the way.
Seance on a wet afternoon
Review date: 2009-06-08 Rating: 10 out of 10
I originally saw this film some 10 years ago, and recently stumbled across it whilst browsing on Amazon. This is what firm making is all about - atmospheric settings, superb acting, taut script and clever music.
Richard Attenborough's performance as the downtrodden, but sympathetic husband is outstanding.
This is a film to enjoy, and not just on a wet afternoon.
Robert S
The amazing Kim Stanley
Review date: 2008-12-20 Rating: 10 out of 10
Currently the only opportunity to see the genius of Kim Stanley on DVD. She was the greatest american actress of her generation and Bryan Forbes plays suitable tribute to her in the dvd extra interview. Her performance is extraordinary even the brilliance of Richard Attenborough seems dimmed in her presence. A truly wonderful British film, great script, photography, direction and truly unbelievable performances from the 2 lead actors. A great piece of cinema, wonderful.
Certainly not a wet weekend
Review date: 2008-05-07 Rating: 10 out of 10
It's a shame that when Richard Attenborough is no longer with us he is going to be remembered primarily as the director of Ghandi. Good director though he is, I always think his true talent was/is acting and this film is absolutely one of his best and a brilliant forerunner to 10 Rillington Place.
In fact Séance is a real meeting of many talents, even John Barry supplies an excellent score, producing a truly unnerving film that knocks the mugging of productions like The Exorcist into a cocked hat. With its grimly Gothic look inside the house and luminous lighting the film has a real Hitchcock look about it and also brings to mind the jangling thrill of Les Diaboliques.
Séance is a British classic and its portrayal of child abduction is uncomfortably relevant today.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Kim Stanley
Richard Attenborough
Marie Burke
Maria Kazan
Margaret Lacey
Creators:
Kim Stanley (Primary Contributor)
Richard Attenborough (Primary Contributor)
Richard Attenborough (Producer)
Gerry Turpin (Cinematographer)
Bryan Forbes (Producer)
Bryan Forbes (Writer)
Derek York (Editor)
Jack Rix (Producer)
Mark McShane (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Homevision
Manufacturer: Homevision
EAN: 9780780025844
Binding: DVD
ISBN: 0780025849
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, DVD-Video, NTSC, Widescreen,
Release date: 2002-09-24
Universal product code (UPC): 037429169827
Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 115 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1964-11-05
Language: English (Original Language)
Tech info, cast and quotes/trivia when available. Exclusions may apply with free delivery. Price and availabiltity subject to change
