#24 - The Haunting (1963)

The Haunting (1963)

(dir. Robert Wise)

Julie and I recently watched Mike Flanagan's excellent TV adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix, and even though it bears very little resemblance to the source material in terms of plot, it did contain many nods and references to this classic film adaptation. I wanted to revisit this one for that reason, and also because it's one of my favorite films of all time and for my money the best haunted house film ever made.

Dr. Markway, a paranormal researcher investigating the famously haunted Hill House, puts together a team of people who he calls his assistants, but are really only there because of their past experiences with the supernatural. Out of the group he selects, only two actually show up - the odd, nervous Eleanor (the protagonist of the film) and a woman with psychic abilities named Theodora. Also present are Luke, the young man who stands to inherit the house someday, and Dr. Markway, the researcher running the experiment. From the first night they experience supernatural activity (which mostly involves loud noises), and the house seems to be focusing on Nell. She is seriously off, and the line between the supernatural and her own psychological issues is heavily blurred.

Besides being an excellent haunted house story, there is a lot of  subtext to unpack in this film. Theo is everything Eleanor wishes she could be - strong, confident, and independent. It's not a coincidence that Theo has no family name, as Nell would like nothing more than to escape her cruel sister and the memory of her recently deceased mother. It is also all but explicitly said that Theo is a lesbian and at times it seems that Nell is in love with her - although she also falls in love with Dr. Markway and even gets clingy with the terrifying haunted house itself, so I'm not sure that actually says anything about Nell's sexuality. It's interesting to think about anyway. Just having a gay character in the '60s at all was daring, much less one that is presented in a positive way.

This is a classic and an absolute essential watch, not just for horror fans, but for anyone who likes classic films. It's smart, beautifully shot, and has some genuinely chilling moments.