36 Years Later, This 100% Fresh Horror Original Is Still 1 of the Best in the Genre (& the Remake Doesn’t Even Come Close)

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As a cinephile, I can attest that some films lose their charm over time, but one movie has managed to maintain its lofty status, scoring a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Creating a run-of-the-mill horror film that fails to deliver genuine scares leaves audiences feeling flat, and the film quickly sinks into oblivion among other mediocre productions. However, in the ’80s, it was none other than “The Woman in Black” that left an indelible impression on viewers, a chilling experience that lingered long after the credits rolled.

The movie was adapted from Susan Hill’s gothic horror novella of the same name, released in 1983, which is one of her most acclaimed and successful works. Hill masterfully crafted the chilling atmosphere of the story and created captivating characters that keep viewers hooked. With a blend of suspenseful elements that leave you on the edge of your seat, it’s no wonder people watch with bated breath. However, unlike the first film adaptation, the subsequent one didn’t receive as warm a welcome.

The Woman in Black Haunted Viewers After One Watch

In the realm of horror, viewers seek a genuine scare. They crave the sensation of intense fear and the conviction that what they’re witnessing could actually transpire. The film, The Woman in Black, took this a step further, lingering in the minds of viewers even after a single viewing. This chilling TV production premiered on Christmas Eve of 1989, a time not unusual for ghost stories, given that it sets the stage the night before Christmas Day. A young attorney finds himself in a coastal town, which he soon realizes is plagued by spectral activities.

A memorable scene that viewers find particularly disturbing is when it appears as if Jennet Humfrye’s tormented victim, Arthur Kidd, has managed to break free from her grip. For a moment, audiences may let out a sigh of relief, only to tense up once more at the chilling scream of the title character. She swiftly charges towards Arthur who is clinging to his bed in sheer terror.

Adrian Rawlins shows such a reaction that one doesn’t need to know what he’s afraid of. He’s exposed and overwhelmed by fear, trapped in it and unable to escape, leaving viewers feeling the intense, lingering dread for days after. The chilling performance by Pauline Moran as she pursues Arthur makes viewers want to step back several paces. At this point, her portrayal seems so real that she might just pass through the television screen.

During its initial television broadcast, there was a commercial interruption immediately afterward, likely beneficial given the scene’s intensity. Yet, this is one potential drawback of TV films, contingent on the specific channel. For instance, The Woman in Black was aired on ITV, known for scheduled breaks. Even though viewers may appreciate the opportunity to regroup after a suspenseful viewing, these interruptions can disrupt the film’s flow and the immersive atmosphere it meticulously builds.

Although the ghostly figure might have been absent at times, “The Woman in Black” movie still managed to keep audiences in suspense. Despite gaining a cult following, it appeared that the film was temporarily out of sight for a while. However, as reported earlier, some speculated that Susan Hill may have played a role in its disappearance, a claim she denies: “I haven’t owned the rights since they first went to ITV. None of this has anything to do with me.”

Chris Burt, the producer, elaborated that there seemed to be conflicts between the three technicians who held the rights and Central, the distributor. This disagreement may not have been favorable for movie enthusiasts eager to rewatch or even those yet to see it. However, the mysterious vanishing of such a chilling film only intensified the supernatural aura surrounding its storyline. Fans were left sharing their faint VHS recordings or trying to spread word of the captivating tale that lingered in their minds.

A Remake Starring Daniel Radcliffe was Released in 2012

To be fair to the reboot of “The Woman in Black,” it faced considerable challenges. A near-perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes hints at the excellence of the original, making any changes to better it impossible. Despite this, it remains a decent film, earning a 66% score. However, it appears that modern audiences didn’t have the same emotional resonance as they did back in 1989, perhaps due to the change of actors who previously played father and son in the Harry Potter series playing key roles in this movie.

In the 1989 version, the slight graininess added authenticity to the Edwardian era setting, a quality that the 2012 remake fell short on due to advancements in technology making images clearer and more modern. Although costumes played a crucial role in indicating the film’s time period, the original version’s muted color palette of drab and lifeless shades effectively maintained the somber atmosphere. As a movie enthusiast, I appreciate how such details contribute to immersing us in the story’s historical context.

Liz White’s portrayal of Jennet Humfrye was spine-tingling and effectively set the tone for the movie within its genre. She was formidable and commanded the spotlight in every scene, fitting perfectly for her villainous role. Her costume echoed that of her predecessor’s, preserving a recognizable and iconic look for the well-known character.

Radcliffe’s performance enables audiences to lose themselves in the fresh character he portrayed, setting aside his previous role at Hogwarts to deliver an authentic performance that demonstrated his versatility as an actor. Despite the other actors delivering stellar performances, it was challenging for them to measure up against a 36-year-old production. As the first to adapt this particular story, there are fewer preconceived notions, and no direct competition (apart from the original book).

Two years following its predecessor, “The Woman in Black: Angel of Death” was released, but garnered poor criticism. On Rotten Tomatoes, it earned a dismal 25%. Sadly, this film didn’t maintain the same quality as the previous ones. Returning to the cast, Rawlins took on the role of Dr. Rhodes, while Leanne Best portrayed the lead character. However, the frightening element wasn’t as potent, and viewers seemed disinterested in expanding the storyline of The Woman in Black, especially since they were content with what was presented in 1989.

The Woman in Black Had a Successful Stage Adaptation

In the same year that the television adaptation of “The Woman in Black” premiered, it debuted on London’s West End and continued until 2023. Notably, it became one of the city’s longest-running plays, trailing only behind “The Mousetrap.” The production garnered attention due to its minimal three-actor cast and captivating narrative. Additionally, the stage adaptation found success in America, with a brief run at the McKittrick Hotel.

The theater offered an exceptional chance to bring the story to life directly, allowing the audience to feel a personal connection with the characters in an atmosphere devoid of the barrier presented by a TV screen. Much like many theaters on London’s West End, the Fortune Theatre (where The Woman in Black was performed) has been around for quite some time, having opened its doors in 1924. Being seated within a building rich with history (it was the first to open post World War I), surrounded by four walls, and focusing on a small group of three actors, created an ideal setting for such a tale to unfold. There’s an extra sense of spookiness that can only be captured through a live performance experience.

The initial “Woman in Black” film established a standard for any subsequent remake to meet, and meeting that standard was never going to be simple. Its jump scares, enveloping darkness, and chilling performances combined to create a horror movie that has, and continues to, withstand the test of time. The success of this film largely depended on traditional production methods, as there was no option to digitally enhance effects.

As a devoted cinephile, I can confidently say that to make “The Woman in Black” a truly chilling experience, every actor had to step up their game. Rawlins’ genuine responses – both verbal and facial – needed to match the intensity of Moran’s terrifying portrayal. The rest of the cast was also required to keep pace with this level of fear. Every element, from the set design to the script, came together flawlessly in “The Woman in Black.” This production effectively laid out a blueprint for how to create an exceptional horror film, one that would secure a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and remain a genre benchmark for years to come.

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2025-04-27 22:09