The Haunting (1963) - Lisa's Review

Finally I get down to the review of this movie.  It has only taken me 3 attempts to watch it.  It's a movie that requires quite a bit of attention and I found it is quite easy to find the mind drifting throughout.  After having to hit the scan back button more than once, I gave it a rest for the evening, again, several times.  Last night I finally managed to watch it all.  Did I agree with Martin Scorsese, that it was the scariest movie ever made?  Ummmm nope!  Did it scare me even a teensy bit?  Ummmmm nope!  I suppose a premise of sorts is in order.

The movie centers around Hill House, a mansion that was built by a man called Hugh Crain, for his new wife.  Unfortunately, she never got to see the home built for her, dying in an accident enroute to the house.  Hugh married again, but his second wife died falling down the stairs in Hill House.  There must be something very unlucky about Hill House as not content to be witness to 2 deaths, it also sees another one with Hughs daughter Abigail dying as she calls on her nurse maid.  She never left the nursery in Hill House for her entire life.

Understandably, the house had a bit of a reputation; one which attracted the attention of Dr Markway, who wanted to conduct a paranormal investigation there.  He is given permission by the owner on the condition that her son (and heir) a skeptic, accompanies him.  He invites 2 individuals - Theo, known to be a psychic and Eleanor who has 'abilities' and was plagued by supernatural forces as a child when stones rained down on her house for 3 solid days.

The movie follows what happens in the house over a couple of days and nights.  Whilst I didn't find the movie frightening, I could definately see why it was perceived that way in 1963.  For me though, the acting was a bit hammy, physical acting was very stilted and actually laughable in places and some characters didn't have enough attention, whilst one character (Eleanor) had too much.  Although Eleanor was meant to be neurotic, naive and insecure, she also comes across as a complete simpering mess, which is any female movie fans complete nightmare.  I found her character very distracting and irritating.  It actually took away from better scenes in the movie.  The main bug bear for me however must be the pacing.  The fact is was so easy to become distracted can be laid firmly at the feet of a draaaaaaaaaagging pace.

On the plus point, the movie was brave enough to have a strong and beautiful lesbian character. Although the word lesbian is not uttered, enough is said for it to be obvious.  Other peoples stuffy and bigoted viewpoints are also illustrated in comments made by Eleanor.  

The main positive must go to the house itself.  The quirky set design and angles used do make the house appear sinister and alive.  A scene where a door flexes and appears to breathe is impressive stuff for the 60's.  Camera work and confusing, erratic shots also add to a feeling of claustrophobia and nervy confusion.  A better choice of lead actress and more attention to detail in the script could have improved this massively.  

I thought hard about whether to recommend this or advise you avoid it, but since I couldn't come down firmly on either side, due to strong strengths in its defence and strong weakness, I decided to leave it down to the reader to make their own mind up as to whether it sounds worth a viewing.