Day 13: The Haunting

13. The Haunting (1963)
Dir: Robert Wise
Cast: Julie Harris, Richard Johnson, Claire Bloom, Russ Tamblyn

Based off one of the finest ghosts stories in the literary world, Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House" written in 1959. This faithful adaptation is one of the most unique horror film's of it's time or any time for the matter in that you really don't see any ghosts. This film instead takes a much more psychological angle to create it's atmosphere and surprisingly it's still effective to this day. WIth heavy use of disturbing sound effects, quick camera movements and clever visual tricks, The Haunting builds up an ever present tension and really hits you where the best horror movies always should, in your mind.

Excellently adapted to the screen by frequent Wise collaborator Nelson Gidding, this eerily shot ghost story pits a research group of four people spending a few days in the infamous "Hill House". Eleanor Lance is the main focus of the film as were often put into her mind with a frequent inner monologue that over time slowly descends into a kind of madness. That really sums up the basic idea which although may sound simple is played upon with some very heavy themes and a very unsettling tone.



If anything this shows that acclaimed director Robert Wise could basically slip into any genre without any difficulties. Whether he was doing a musical, western, sci-fi or horror movie, where he got his start doing Val Lewton productions, he always managed to do any genre proud with strong production and crisp direction. The performances are definitely worth mention, as though feelings between them may get a little hectic and wear on the nerves, everyone gives their all. I am sure Shirley Jackson would of been proud of this movie but not of that terrible remake made in 1999.

Fright Fact: How about the fact that it was remade, that was pretty terrible

Horror Highlight:
Here's one of the many bizarre scenes in the movie that builds tension