Review of The Haunting (1963) by Matty D — 03 Oct 2007

Now here's an exercise in real, old-school horror film making where atmosphere and unease rule over cheap scare shots and effects. Yes, it's dated a little but watch 'The Haunting' in the right setting - alone, late at night, in the dark - and you'll feel a delicious shiver down the spine as the eerie factor rises and rises.

Like 'The Changeling' and modern films 'The Others' and (to an extent) 'Blair Witch', it's a film to be watched, studied and slowly drawn into. No real big visual moments (apart from the door.

..) but they'd only detract from a film that's a perfect example of how a good ghost story should work. Won't be to everyones tastes (for gods sake don't pick it as a popcorn munching Halloween spectacular) but, for those of you whose imaginations don't need a graphic decapitation to get to work, it'll do the trick.