The Haunting

I was very glad to hear that Phil was going to show us the original version of 'The Haunting,' especially after having seen the remake- i wanted to see the effect cg had on the newer film, and in my opinion and im sure others would agree, the use of cg destroyed the eeriness and the way that the old version 'suggested' bad was going to happen. Fair enough, the new version of the film was a lot more graphic and made to be scarier than the original, due to the different eras they were made, but there was something slightly spookier in the older version, without needing the use of cg to make the statues move and the carvings of the cherubs literally come out of the fireplace to know that they were 'alive' so to speak.

The main plot itself has been altered in that, Eleanor, Luke and Theo are asked to stay at Hill House to study their sleeping disorders.


(sorry if u cant read the next bit, blogger keeps being a pain!!! argh!!!!)

''director Robert Wise’s original actually gives each of the characters a purpose to be in the story. Theo isn’t just some thrill-seeking bi-sexual; in the original film she has strong ESP and is invited to the house for that reason. Throughout the occurrences she’s the one who “senses” when something’s about to happen. The sexual orientation of her character is played very subtly, not as a main character trait but to add tension in a kind of “love triangle” fashion when Eleanor (again, the key word here is “subtly”) begins to show signs of an infatuation with Dr. Markway'

The image below is an example of the use of CG in the remake of The Haunting- where the house 'comes to life' in an attempt to take Eleanor.

I thought that it would be good to check out some reviews of the 2 films so see the difference:

The Haunting -1963 reviews

'Properly creeep, unlike the dodge remake.'

'What makes the film so effective is not so much the slightly sinister characterisation of the generally neurotic group, but the fact that Wise makes the house itself the central character, a beautifully designed and highly atmospheric entity which, despite the often annoyingly angled camerawork, becomes genuinely frightening.'

The Haunting- 1999 reviews

'But its lack of originality is a small crime in comparison to its unrealized potential. Such great sets, such great actors, such fantastic special effects, and this unengaging amusement park ride was the best DeBont could do.'

'de Bont doesn’t appear to understand that seeing CGI ghosts, moving statues, animating skeletons and the like are nowhere near as terror-inducing as NOT seeing them! The most impressive CGI that could ever be possible is still no match for the horrors that lurk in the subconscious mind.'

I particularly like the gothic feel to this film- i know on first impressions of me, it may come as a shock but from being a HUGE Tim Burton fan because of the eerie atmosphere he creates in his films and I particularly enjoy films like the Haunting due to the hidden suggestive terror created by Robert Wise. I thoroughly like the character of Mrs Dudley and her repetition of ---

'I set dinner on the dining room sideboard at 6. I clear up in the morning. I have breakfast for you at 9. I don't wait on people. I don't stay after I set out the dinner, not after it begins to get dark. I leave before the dark…So there won't be anyone around if you need help…We couldn't hear you. In the night….No one could. No one lives any nearer than town. No one will come any nearer than that…In the night. In the dark…’

Her speech alone makes the atmosphere spooky from the beginning.