THE GOVERNESS (Sandra Goldbacher, 1998) **

What is the opposite of straw man? Iron man? Or in the case of THE GOVERNESS, iron woman. In any case, one doesn't worry too much about Rosina (Minnie Driver), the destitute Jewess turned Mary Blackchurch the governess. Rosina is so far ahead of her time; think Mary Poppins in Theyskiens goth - sole provider when her father passes on, uncommon interest in science, debating the spit-or-swallow issue. Give her a camera and soon she's playing the centrefold and photographer as well.

The interest lies on Rosina's effects on the household. Surprisingly, her effect on the child she is supposed to watch over seems the least. She becomes catalyst, nay fixative, for change in the staid household. Rosina casts her spell over the scientist-father and breathless androgyne son Henry (Rhys Meyers still stuck in VELVET GOLDMINE mould).