MovieChat Forums > The Haunting (1999) Discussion > Guilty pleasure? SPOILERS

Guilty pleasure? SPOILERS

posted 8 years ago by sergio_lv13
5 replies | jump to latest

Let me start by stating the obvious: the film fails miserably as a horror film. Only once was I -oh so briefly- scared during this whole film. It wasn't even so much being scared but startled. That happened when that skeleton popped outta the ground.

Anyway, I saw this film last night cuz I felt like watching something I'd be ok dozing off to. Didn't wanna engage much in the story, just something to pass the time. It was so bad it was amusing. I think I straight out laughed through many parts. That being said the premise is attractive. Strangers put together for a study on fear, all living together in this haunted house, but unfortunately that's as far as it gets with this movie as though its premise might be good, not much else is. Now, DESPITE all this I found myself enthralled, greatly due to the set itself. My oh my, that house was magnificent. The interior design was very Moulin Rouge in that it was so opulent and decadent and just incredibly over the top. That paired with the campy directing/acting/dialogue made for an enjoyable -for all the wrong reasons- movie. I'd watch it again just for kicks.

So, is this anybody else's guilty pleasure? Which moments were particularly cringe-worthy and hilarious to you?

[–] GunHillTrain 8 years ago

There are so many moments - it almost veers into Ghostbusters or Young Frankenstein territory without quite getting there. (Too bad Marty Feldman had passed.)

A few with Nell:

1. She attacks the huge griffin statue with a board. The thing seems to remain bolted to the floor and unable to walk, however.

2. Nearer the end, she comes down the staircase and, in her bare feet, walks across a floor covered with rubble - and she doesn't mind that.

3. In the same scene, she spends several moments with an icky CGI critter a few inches from her head - and doesn't flinch.

Speaking of rubble, I'd like to know what the Dudleys thought of the mess Dr. Marrow and his crew made of the house.

[–] Maya55555 7 years ago

As Mrs. Dudley stated, "City people."

"A stitch in time, saves your embarrassment." (RIP Ms. Penny LoBello)

[–] GunHillTrain 7 years ago

More spoilers of course.

Yes, but she hadn't been inside yet. That's when TSHTF I suspect. Plus Nell's body is lying around. (Luke's remains might never be found.) Definitely the most interesting case the Hillsdale police department has ever had.

[Digression: in the novel the house is owned by Luke's family - the Crains are long gone. In fact he's in line to inherit it, which is why he's there. In 1999 the ownership is unclear (did I miss something?) but the Dudleys are still responsible for it.]

[–] kanyon18080 8 years ago

It starts off scary and then gets ridiculous with Nell babbling and yelling for over an hour.

[–] flutterby228364 7 years ago

It is also a guilty pleasure of mine. I LOVE the house! I know most of the interior is staged, but to imagine staying a few nights in a house, excuse me, a manor like that would be THE greatest thing I could ever do. Haunted or not, it would be a dream come true. I have always been a lover of architecture, the older the better and to be able to explore every inch would be a great joy for me. So every time I catch this movie I watch it. It's not the greatest by way of plot, but their version of the house draws me in every time. Just like Rose Red. That's another spectacular manor and also a guilty pleasure.