Review of The Haunting (1963) by Ricardo O — 09 Sep 2010

The story concerns Dr. Markway, played by Richard Johnson, who gathers three people to spend a few days and nights, mostly nights, at Hill House, a large mansion with a history of violent deaths that is believed possibly have some kind of paranormal activity going on. With Dr. Markway is Luke, played by Russ Tamblyn, a young skeptic who stands to inherit the house; Theodora, played by Claire Bloom, a clairvoyant; and Eleanor, an insecure woman who's recently suffered from her mother dying and with psychic abilities that make her feel strangely attuned to whatever spirits inhabit the house.

This film is amazing! The fact that the movie doesn't actually show any ghost at all is great. Why can't more modern "horror" films be like this anymore?! Today's filmmakers need to learn that what you don't show is more often than not scarier and much more effective than what we actually see. Jaws is a great example of that as well, the shark wasn't even shown 'til half way through the movie! And the sounds used are great. It's no wonder people praise it so much. This is the absolute best haunted house film ever made in my opinion and definitely one of the best horror films in general. Robert Wise's direction is tight and creates such a tense mood throughout the movie. There is also some very good acting, a solid script, great editing (typical of Robert Wise, he edited Citizen Kane hello!!!! Of course the editing is good!), and the cinematography is phenomenal (another thing that's typical of Wise). I just have to mention the cinematography again because the camerawork is just amazing. Some of it reminds me of Psycho especially with the voice over of Julie Harris' character's thoughts. The film is full of atmosphere and such a creepy mood that's also benefitted by the score. It has so much tension and the suspense is almost unbearable.

By the way the scene towards the end on the spiral staircase was one of the most frightening moments in my experiences with horror films.

I have to give this a high rating as I believe this ranks as one of the greatest horror films to ever be made. By the way, stay away from the horrible remake released in 1999. Stay away!!!! 10/10.