Hi: I finally got around to seeing this movie. I thought it had some great moments. I think Dan Curtis got some ideas from this movie for Dark Shadows (TV series), Night Of Dark Shadows and Burnt Offerings.
Something I posted in 2013: “I saw this when I was 9 or 10 and it is STILL the scariest movie I've ever seen. I screamed in the theater and nothing came out. Finally saw the remake on cable last week and it stunk.”
This is an amazingly horrifying film on many levels. It has the black and white atmosphere, psychological levels of interpretation, the supernatural levels of interpretation, sheer visceral horror and outstanding performances by all actors, especially Julie Harris. The book by ShirleyJackson is a masterpiece of psychological other-ness horror. In the footsteps of Henry James’s masterpiece, “ The Turn of the Screw”. One of the all time classics.
Beautifully atmospheric, it scared the poop out of me when I saw it at around 11 years old. That scene where Harris realizes it was a supernatural entity that held her hand stayed with me for years.
In truth, there aren't that many truly scary movies. But this is one of them. It's just wonderful in every way. That door! A true classic.
Exactly, the 'effects' are limited and it plays on generic memory, allowing the audience some room... I've nothing against those 'upfront' shockers, but I prefer the more subtle stuff. Reminds me of the debate around Tiourneur's Night of the Demon. A great film, but would it have been better had it not shown the demon itself? Mostly, I think it would, but there are times, I'll admit, when it works for me.
I pretty much exclusively watch horror movies, it's just my thing. Those "stab" so called "scares" are terrible and lazy. If a film uses too many of them I have to turn it off. The thing about The Haunting is, it's in no hurry, it can be subtle and builds tension. Too few horror films remember this and try to go straight for the jugular, failing in the process.
Robert Wise's director's commentary for "The Haunting" is well worth a listen for some great insights from a master of the craft of popular film-making.
YouTube is full of "the scariest clips" which simply do not work outside of context. "The Haunting" is a great example. People just watch the short clips and say, well that isn't scary. But this movie will stop your heart.
A beautiful film in every aspect: Wise’s direction, the wonderful acting of the cast, brilliant cinematography and sound design. THE INNOCENTS would make a great double feature.
