Where was The Haunting filmed?
1999
City Locations
Lincolnshire, Leicestershire (UK); California, Florida (USA)
Location Types
Manor, Film Studio
Location Styles
Castle/Chateau, Colonial, Gothic/Victorian, Greek/Neoclassical
About The Haunting
The Haunting, released in 1999, is a bone-chilling thriller that grips audiences, transporting them on a spine-tingling odyssey into the heart of terror. Jan de Bont, known for his work on action-packed films like Speed and Twister, helmed the film. The screenplay, penned by David Self, is based on the classic novel The Haunting Of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. This story also inspired the acclaimed 1963 film The Haunting.
The movie showcases a stellar cast, including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Liam Neeson, Owen Wilson, and Lili Taylor. Unfolding in the majestic Hill House mansion, the story revolves around a sleep disorder exploration that swiftly descends into a spine-chilling encounter with the supernatural.
In the 1860s, the wealthy industrialist Hugh Crain had built the Hill House, intending it to be a home for his family. However, his untimely and mysterious death raised rumors about its haunting.
Fast forward 130 years, Dr. Marrow (Liam Neeson), intrigued by the legend of Hill House, brings three individuals there under the guise of a sleep study. A brave soul on the surface, Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones) finds herself unnerved by the mansion's eerie reputation. Luke (Owen Wilson) begins questioning their stay's actual intent when he realizes they are in a purportedly haunted house. However, Nell (Lili Taylor) feels an inexplicable connection to Hill House that soon spirals into a nightmarish experience as the true history of the mansion unravels.
Despite its thrilling narrative and strong performances, The Haunting won no major awards. The film remains popular among lovers of supernatural suspense, offering a modern take on a timeless ghost story.
The Haunting Locations
The Haunting transports its audience into an eerie world of supernatural suspense, much of which comes down to the film's distinctive locations and sets. Production commenced in the autumn of 1998, capturing breathtaking scenes across England's picturesque landscapes, notably at Harlaxton Manor and Belvoir Castle. These exquisite locations provide a captivating historical backdrop, lending an air of authenticity to the film's haunting atmosphere.
Harlaxton Manor, located in Lincolnshire, is a grand 19th-century manor house that beautifully blends Elizabethan and Jacobean architectural styles. Its imposing facade and lavishly furnished interiors aptly served as Hill House, the film's central location.
Belvoir Castle, on the other hand, is a majestic fortress sitting atop Leicestershire's countryside. Its turrets, towers, and sprawling gardens provide a scenic view that perfectly complements the film's eerie narrative.
However, intricately designed sets in Los Angeles, crafted by the acclaimed Argentine production designer Eugenio Zanetti, provided the backdrop for most of The Haunting scenes. His work amplified the film's chilling atmosphere with his craftsmanship and attention to detail.
For film enthusiasts and fans of The Haunting, a trip to Harlaxton Manor and Belvoir Castle would be worthwhile. Not only are they stunning historical landmarks in their own right, but they also offer a tangible connection to the film's hauntingly atmospheric world. As for the sets in Los Angeles, while they may not be accessible for public visits, the city is a treasure trove of film history and culture, making it a worthy destination for any cinephile.
The group gathers scene in The Haunting
Harlaxton Manor, Harlaxton Manor, Harlaxton, Grantham NG32 1AG, UK
Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones) reaches the magnificent Hill House. Her initial interaction with Nell (Lili Taylor), another participant in Dr. Marrow's study, is tinged with unease due to a homophobic reaction. As they overcome this initial discomfort and explore the mansion, they discover a carousel room, a whimsical space contrasting sharply with the rest of the eerie atmosphere.
They return to the main entrance, where Luke (Owen Wilson), Dr. Marrow (Liam Neeson), and his two assistants greet them. Over dinner, the group discusses their insomnia issues and learns more about each other, setting the stage for the chilling events unfolding over the next few days.
The Hill House, in the Berkshires for the film, is, in fact, the splendid Harlaxton Manor. This architectural marvel, constructed in 1837 by the slightly eccentric Gregory Gregory, stands on the grounds of an authentic 14th-century manor house. To create an immersive setting, the filmmakers made some alterations to Harlaxton. They added a porch entrance resembling a carport and obscured the beautifully carved lettering that displayed the owner's name and building date. The intention was to tone down the grandeur of Harlaxton for its appearance in The Haunting.
Harlaxton Manor has a rich cinematic history, having previously served as the estate of the mad Earl of Gurney in Peter Medak's 1971 film of Peter Barnes's pitch-black satire "The Ruling Class."
Located in Lincolnshire, England, Harlaxton Manor is open for visits, allowing fans of "The Haunting" to explore the elaborate rooms and corridors featured in the film. Visitors can reach Harlaxton Manor via train from London to Grantham, followed by a taxi ride.
The kitchen and pantry scenes in The Haunting
Belvoir Castle, Woolsthorpe Rd, Grantham NG32 1PA, UK
Nell (Lili Taylor) and Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones) are startled by a loud banging noise, prompting Luke (Owen Wilson) to investigate the source of the commotion. Despite his initial unawareness of the noises, a meeting in the kitchen leads Luke to demonstrate the noisy water system as the potential cause. However, Nell and Theo remain unconvinced and decide to retire again, leaving the mystery of the noises unresolved.
The historic Belvoir Castle, the Duke of Rutland's residence, roughly six miles from Grantham in Leicestershire, provided the setting for the kitchen scene. Known for its pronounced Beaver Castle, Belvoir Castle has featured in several notable films, including Barry Levinson's Young Sherlock Holmes and The Da Vinci Code, where it served as the backdrop for Castle Gandolfo.
Belvoir Castle has a rich history and stunning architecture and is open to the public on selected dates. Check their opening dates and times before your trip. Tickets purchased are valid only for Castle opening dates.
To access the castle, you can board a train to Grantham and proceed by taxi or local bus service to Belvoir Castle. Alternatively, if you're traveling from Birmingham, a scenic one-and-a-half-hour drive via the M6 motorway is the way to go. From London, taking a train is a viable option, although it's worth noting that the journey by road would involve multiple transfers and take almost 10 hours.
Nell discovers the hidden library scene in The Haunting
The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA
A chilling scene unfolds as Nell (Lili Taylor), one of the characters participating in Dr. Marrow's (Liam Neeson) insomnia study, is awakened by mysterious sounds in the middle of the night. Following a trail of bloody footprints, she discovers a hidden library within the vast Hill House. The library houses logs of countless children that Hugh Craine had brought into his home, revealing that many died while working for him.
Like the rest of the film's interiors, this unsettling scene was meticulously brought to life inside a dome-shaped hangar that formerly sheltered the Hughes H-4 Hercules. This hangar is near the moored RMS Queen Mary steamship in Long Beach. These intricate, hand-built sets, which cost an estimated $8 –10 million to create, were conceived and designed by the talented Argentine production designer Eugenio Zanetti. His exceptional vision and precision are reflected in these sets, which effectively encapsulate the foreboding ambiance of Hill House.
While fans of The Haunting may not be able to step into these exact sets, they can visit the historic RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. This retired British ocean liner, now a floating hotel and museum, offers a glimpse into the past and serves as a reminder of the creative hub where much of "The Haunting" was brought to life.
To reach Long Beach, visitors can take a flight to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and then drive or take a taxi to Long Beach, which is approximately 21 miles south of the airport. Once there, the RMS Queen Mary is easily accessible and open for tours.
Conclusion
The Haunting is a cinematic marvel, not so much for its narrative but for the sheer spectacle of its visuals. While the story might be convoluted and lack depth, the sets, locations, art direction, and sound design envelop the viewer in a hauntingly beautiful and menacing atmosphere.
The exteriors, shot at Harlaxton Manor in Nottinghamshire, offer a striking backdrop for the chilling tale. The architectural details are so intricately wrought they seem to echo with an otherworldly scream. Eugenio Zanetti, the production designer, has crafted interiors that brim with menace and mystery. The lavish bedrooms explored by Taylor and Zeta-Jones are so richly detailed that they invite the viewer to immerse themselves in their opulence yet hint at the lurking danger.
Some moments in The Haunting genuinely chill the spine, such as a scene reminiscent of the iconic ending of Carrie. The special effects add to the eerie ambiance, creating a haunted house that surprises and unnerves equally. A particularly effective technique is using a floor-level gliding camera, which subtly amplifies the sense of unease.
Despite its shortcomings, The Haunting significantly contributes to the movie industry with its innovative visuals and sound design, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable on the screen. However, its lack of character depth and deviation from the realism that made Shirley Jackson's original novel undermines the spook potential. As a horror film, it falls short, but viewed as a visual feast, it is worth watching.
The Haunting (1999) is worth watching for its stunning locations, intricate sets, and masterful art direction. It is also a guide for any fan who wants to embark on a film locations tour inspired by the masterpiece.