Some critics call Falconetti's performance in this film one of the greatest in history. I can buy that...because she seems so overwhelmed by piety and love that she is about to burst. Director Carl Th. Dreyer is also very impressive with his harsh angles and creative editing. However...a 2 hour silent movie that is TRULY silent...no music or anything...is tough to get through, especially when it is simply an account of the trial and execution of Joan of Arc. What is more interesting than the movie is the history behind that actual print. The original was destroyed in a fire. A backup was created from outakes of the original...also destroyed in a fire. In 1981, a full copy, original copy was found in a Norweigen Mental Hospital closet. Now THATS a movie to make.
Directed by the incomparable Robert Wise, THE HAUNTING is quite spooky...all without any actual manifestations of ghosts. Its all about sounds, bumps, discussions, inner monologues, and reactions...and I kind of dug it. Jan de Bont's 1999 remake with Liam Neeson was a wonder to look at but it is pretty different from this original adaptation of Shirley Jackson's novel. Eleanor is still awhining pain in the ass....but I guess that is necessary to the plot. Hill House is still a scary place in my mind.
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These are Kevin's viewings out of the above Steven Jay Schneider tome Archives
May 2012
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