A scientist is trying to find proof of the supernatural, inviting a selection of media to an old mansion. It is becoming a long sought after home for a lonely, tormented soul...
It might actually be a bit of a spoiler, but if you like ghost horror films, and haven't seen it before, you've just found the best of 'em all. "The Haunting", directed by Robert Wise, based on the novel "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson, is the pinnacle of the "haunted house" subgenre, and thus one of the spookiest films ever made. It takes a well known idea and turns the scare factor up to eleven. There's a noticeable lack of romance in "The Haunting", and very little comic relief - it's quite serious, even when it's funny, and as you watch it you'll soon realize there's some actual depth to the story. It might not be a scientifically perfect treatment, but the connotations about family are so fundamental and strong that everyone can relate to it on an equal level. Family is the source of absolute love, and absolute tragedy.
"The Haunting" is a masterpiece of both conscious and subconscious psychological horror, interweaving both to great effect. It's a perfect variation of the set up, with an isolated mansion, some sort of madness, and lots of uncanny goings-on. All of which are connected to a sad story of guilt and loneliness, that's featured much more prominently than in most comparable films. An obvious emphasis has been put on the psycho-analysis of the characters, with careful timing and some razor sharp dialogue, and it is what turns "The Haunting" into an intense, timeless experience.
If you look closely, you'll find there's actually not too much happening - but enough to keep you seriously guessing if it's (not) all just in the protagonists' heads... The virtuoso use of camera, light, sound, and editing, the serious approach, and the very close-up, personal portrayal of the movie's main character, all together create some of the most frightening scenes ever put on film.
"The Haunting" captures, and evokes, actual subconscious memories of being left alone, in fear, when your mind starts wandering... Nobody wants to be left alone...
Verdict: So good, it's scary. No, really! 9.5/10
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057129/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Haunting_(1963_film)
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