Review #3 - The Haunting
Total Score: 20/23
Though my score remains the same, I find I have a lot more to say on this film than I did in my original review. I watched this film as a teen, before I’d read (devoured) Shirley Jackson’s novel, and my notes from that time just don’t have much feeling to them. What you’re reading now is pretty much a full re-write.
The first thing I gotta say is, as an adaptation, this is fantastic. It captures in so many small ways all the things that make the book so sinister. Eleanor’s spiralling, the unbearable presence of the house, the inexplicable nature of the hauntings. The continual build-up and release cycle of tension is extremely compelling, and makes for a real rollercoaster. Everyone is really well cast, from the core four to the smaller roles (Mrs Dudley, of course, is perfect). I hadn’t seen Twin Peaks (1990) before this film, so this was my introduction to Russ Tamblyn, who is great fun. I could talk all day about how everyone interacts, and moves, and speaks.
The script is tight, and many of the discussions between characters are as entertaining as they are revealing. The depiction of the supernatural in this film is minimalist to some extent, but excellent. The ghostly scenes are affecting and chilling, and endlessly rewatchable. There are so many memorable ones, and each feels uniquely frightening.
The end is mega bleak and I love it. It’s cyclical and it’s maddening and it’s shocking. As a horror writer, and ghost-story enthusiast (dare I say fanatic), I really can’t understate the impact of the film’s denouement. Ten outta ten, in my book.
Hot tip, by the way, The Haunting (1963) and Jack Clayton’s The Innocents (1961) is a double bill suggestion so good you might just go mad (and nobody will hear you…in the night…)
As ever, thanks for reading,
Let me know your scores below!
Until next time,
H.E.