The Haunting (1963)

Directed by: Robert Wise

Written by: Nelson Gidding (screenplay), Shirley Jackson (based on her novel)

Starring: Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson and Russ Tamblyn 

"HEY! let's all stay the night here!" said no one EVER!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! I hope you packed your eye cream and under-eye concealer, because tonight we're staying in Hill House! And ain't nobody getting any sleep!

Honestly I was planning to watch and review John Carpenters Halloween for today, but I didn't want to seem like a basic bitch. It seemed like the obvious choice, so I chose to view an old classic. The Haunting is based on the novel "The Haunting of Hill House" by one of my all time favorite authors Shirley Jackson. I haven't had a chance to read this particular piece of work, but I have read enough of this author's work to tell you that this movie gives off a huge Shirley Jackson vibe. If you've seen this movie, and know Jackson's work, you completely understand what I'm talking about. 

The Haunting is about Dr. John Markway (Richard Johnson) doing a scientific study on the paranormal taking place in a gigantic mansion known as Hill House. He invites two women with a history of paranormal incidents in their past, one being Eleanor Lance (Julie Harris), the other being a psychic named Theodora (Claire Bloom). Soon shit starts to happen and chaos ensues. Eleanor begins believing the house won't rest until it has her. Is she right? Or is she going insane? The movie's concept is the house being born bad.  It's not a ghost, not a demon or a monster. It's the house. It has you wonder what the dick is going on.

Well... this doesn't look like fun.

What I personally find so intriguing about this movie, is that Robert Wise directed it in between directing West Side Story and The Sound of Music. Like a musical sandwich with horror being the peanut butter! It's fantastic!  It seems like the most  unlikely choice for this director. The odd choice pays off in spades. This is the most artfully done horror movie I've ever seen. Every detail is perfect. Every camera angle is thought out. One of the reasons these camera angles are so well thought out is the choice of the cinematographer who was more versed in still-pictures. Every frame is captured as if it were a picture.

WORST SLUMBER PARTY EVER!

Another thing to note about this film; it's in black and white. This was consciously done by the filmmakers and it was a great call. There's no way this movie would have worked as well if it were in color. We see the same effect used with Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho where the black and white is used to cast a more mysterious aura.

"...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."  - Crazy Bitch in Hill House

The acting is spot on in this movie. I love Claire Bloom's character Theo, a classy, but shoot-from-the-hip psychic who gives 0 fucks. Her sassy attitude really add a lot to the story line. I don't know if it was meant to be an undertone, but I do find a strong lesbian undercurrent with her. There are several instances where you're like "Ohhhh... you like the lady-cave."

Yeah, let's get really close to the creepy-ass statues. It's fine! What could possibly go wrong?

Julie Harris plays her role to the extreme, but not in a bad way, in the BEST way possible. She plays her role with such intensity and emotion that made me feel all the feels for her. I haven't seen any Julie Harris films, but after this one, I'm definitely researching her more. It's very rare that an actor/actress makes me want to see more of their work. Good job Julie Harris.

"God! God! Whose hand was I holding?" Guuuurl. Don't say shit like that, it's creepy.

If you're expecting a movie where monsters with chainsaws burst through doors and chop up girls with huge tits, you'll be severely disappointed. Although it does have a TON of creepy-ass statues. Statues really freak me out, I have a problem, moving on. The filmmakers really let you use your imagination with this movie. The things that are unseen can be the scariest things ever. How many times as a kid were you certain something was in your closet or under your bed, even though you couldn't see it you just "knew" it was there. Your imagination can be a horrifying place if you allow it to be, and that exactly what this movie does. It allows you to scare yourself instead of relying on cheap scares or special effects.

Awww fuck! Really?! Why would you EVER have this in your house!?!?!

If you don't really like horror movies, this is one you might enjoy. It's very intelligently scary and visually pleasing. I really wish today's horror movies would get it the fuck together! Look at this movie! It was scary as shit, yet it didn't have crazy, CGI shit coming at the screen. I would love a filmmaker to do a movie like this again. I challenge all filmmakers to do a horror movie like this! Don't make me go to film school and do one myself! I will! Probably not, but still... DO IT!. 

BOO!

If you're reading this blog,you're probably wondering why I didn't address the 1999 remake of this movie. If you've seen it, then you know why. If you keep paying attention to shit like that, it'll keep coming back! DON'T WATCH IT!

For more information of The Haunting, visit the IMDB page.

To learn more about Shirley Jackson's work, click here.

Have a Happy Halloween!

Don't open that damn door! Nothing good can come from opening that door!