The Haunting | 1963 vs 1999
Hello Fellow Stardust. Welcome back to another comparison discussion. This month I talked about The Haunting movies from 1963 and 1999. I was joined by special returning guest, Terence Miguana. He and I did my very first comparison video awhile back, we discussed The Suspiria movies from 1977 and 2018. So I was so happy to do it again with him which kicked off this new comparison series. Let’s dive in!
The Original Classic: The Haunting (1963)
Released in 1963, The Haunting is based on Shirley Jackson’s novel The Haunting of Hill House. It follows a group of people brought together to investigate the paranormal activities in Hill House. The film stands out for its subtle, psychological horror, relying heavily on atmosphere and character dynamics rather than overt scares.
Terrence’s Perspective
Terrence first saw The Haunting in 2006 and was immediately enchanted by its psychological depth and unique black-and-white cinematography. The film’s lighting and set design, with their slightly off angles, enhance the eerie atmosphere. Julie Harris’s performance as Eleanor, a woman descending into madness, is a central element of the film’s success. Terrence notes that Harris’s method acting created a palpable sense of isolation that permeates the movie.
rainbowFRIGHT Perspective
I appreciate the film’s psychological aspects, particularly how it uses Eleanor’s narration to emphasize her unraveling sanity. The house itself feels alive, its peculiarities highlighted through masterful lighting. This approach makes the film more about mental horror than visual scares, drawing viewers into Eleanor’s disturbed mind.
The Remake: The Haunting (1999)
The 1999 remake, directed by Jan de Bont, takes a different approach. It introduces more explicit supernatural elements and relies heavily on CGI to create its scares. This version follows a group of people participating in what they believe is a sleep study, only to discover they are actually part of an experiment on fear within the haunted Hill House.
Terrence’s Perspective
Terrence initially disliked the remake due to its CGI-heavy look and convoluted plot. The film’s focus on Hugh Crain’s ghost and captive children deviates from the original’s subtlety. Dr. Marrow’s fear experiment subplot felt unnecessary and confusing. Despite its flaws, Terrence found the film entertaining and appreciated Lily Taylor’s relatable portrayal of Eleanor.
rainbowFRIGHT’s Perspective
While I enjoyed the first 30 minutes of the remake, it soon took a different direction from the original story. The reliance on CGI and fantastical elements changed the essence of the tale. The film’s attempt to maintain a PG-13 rating diluted its potential for real horror. Despite these issues, the remake is still a fun watch, especially for those who enjoy grand special effects.
Final Thoughts
Both versions of The Haunting offer unique takes on Shirley Jackson’s novel. The 1963 version remains a psychological horror classic, known for its subtle scares and deep character study. The 1999 remake provides a more visual, CGI-driven experience, deviating from the original’s essence but still entertaining in its own right.
Terrence’s Pick: The original The Haunting is my number one ghost movie, surpassing even House on Haunted Hill. Its ability to scare through psychological means rather than visual effects makes it a timeless classic.
Until next time stardust, peace.
Terence Miguana’s Channel | https://www.youtube.com/@terencemiguana