A Haunting Allegory

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2002)

We are fascinated by haunted houses on so many levels: For their paranormal factor, for their "scary" factor, and for the psychological symbolism with which they are filled, considering the house as the symbol of the individual persona, with its inhabitants representing the various parts of the psyche. (In Freudian terms, that would include the Id, the Ego, the Superego, etc. In Jungian terms, it would include the various "masks" we wear to accomplish our various conscious tasks, as well as our unconscious. In more generic terms, it would include the parts of our personas that are controlling, childlike, stewards, truthtellers, etc.)
All of these levels are explored well in this film, which makes the film a very satisfying psychological thriller until the twist at the end. At that point, the allegory is stretched for the sake of a dramatic surprise, which for many veteran filmgoers was probably not all that surprising. I grant that it did provide a tidier, "Hollywood" ending to the film, but in allegorical terms, actually made the story sadder and creepier than it already was.
For those comparing the story to *The Turn of the Screw* (or the film, "The Innocents"), the comparison to the psychological allegory is apt, although updated well from Henry James' Victorian sensibilities, which makes this a worthwhile film in and of itself. Actually any comparison to a well-done haunted-house story is bound to bear fruit, as all have the same basic psychological elements. (For example, Kubrick's version of *The Shining* can be compared also, although the gore factor was much higher in *The Shining*.)
As for the comparison to *The Sixth Sense*, I see none, beyond the ability of children to see apparitions, and a twist at the end. And there are many movies that include these features, few done in such a particularly interesting and surprising way as done in *The Sixth Sense*. It stands on its own, it's an orange; this is an apple. I think some make the comparison because the films came out within a couple of years of each other, and had similar marketing campaigns. Had they come out 25 years apart, no one would think to compare them, beyond the fact that both are excellent paranormal/suspense films.
As for filmmaking, other commenters have made the salient points well, I needn't repeat what has already been said about the excellent acting, lighting, cinematography, editing, and, of course, directing. For pure suspense, I recommend the fog scene. I'll say no more as I don't want to include spoilers.
For those who want a mindless horror-suspense movie, look elsewhere, this ain't it. But if you enjoy a little brain candy with your entertainment, overall, this is an excellent suspense film. Just be prepared for the Hollywood ending.