Watch The Haunting

The Haunting is a classic horror movie from 1963 directed by Robert Wise. The film tells the story of a group of people who gather together to investigate a supposedly haunted house. The film stars Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, and Richard Johnson and is considered by many to be one of the scariest movies of all time. The story of The Haunting revolves around Hill House, an enormous and imposing mansion that is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of its former inhabitants. Dr. John Markway (Richard Johnson), a scientist who is interested in the paranormal, decides to investigate the house and its supernatural reputation. He brings together a group of people who have had experiences with ghosts in the past, including the spectral-sensitive Eleanor Lance (Julie Harris), the cynical Theo (Claire Bloom), and the skeptical Luke Sanderson (Russ Tamblyn).

As they spend more time in Hill House, the group begins to experience strange and terrifying occurrences. Doors slam shut on their own, cold spots suddenly appear in the air, and they hear ghostly whispers in the night. The house seems to be alive with malevolent spirits, and the guests are forced to confront their worst fears in order to survive.

One of the key strengths of The Haunting is its ability to create an atmosphere of deep, unsettling terror. From the opening shot of the house looming over the landscape, to the final moments of the film, Wise creates a sense of dread that is both palpable and oppressive. Shadows loom in the corners of the frame, doors creak open and shut, and strange noises fill the air. The film is a masterclass in how to build suspense and create a truly terrifying atmosphere.

Another strength of the film is the quality of the performances. Julie Harris is particularly outstanding as Eleanor Lance, a troubled and vulnerable woman who finds herself drawn to Hill House for reasons she can't explain. Harris gives a nuanced and powerful performance, conveying both compassion and despair as the haunted house begins to take its toll on her. Claire Bloom is similarly impressive as Theo, a woman who uses her wit and intelligence to cope with the supernatural threats around her.

The Haunting is also notable for its innovative use of sound and music. The film's composer, Humphrey Searle, makes clever use of unusual instruments such as the celesta and the glass harmonica to create an eerie and otherworldly sound. The score is both beautiful and unsettling, adding an extra layer of horror to the already terrifying visuals.

Overall, The Haunting is a landmark of horror cinema that has stood the test of time. Its themes of isolation, mental illness, and the supernatural are still relevant today, and its influence can be seen in countless horror movies that followed in its wake. If you're a fan of horror movies or just love great cinema, The Haunting is a must-see. Just make sure you watch it with the lights on.

The Haunting is a 1963 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 74.