Review: The Woman In Black
The Woman In Black
Director: James Watkins
With: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciarn Hinds and Janet McTeer
12A, 95mins
Like many films currently showing at the cinema such as Man On A Ledge and A Monster In Paris, The Woman In Black does exactly what it says in the title. There is a woman, she is dressed in black and Daniel Radcliffe really does not want to see her. He plays Arthur Kipps, a lawyer who is sent to deal with the paperwork of the dead Mrs. Drablow. A seemingly routine venture to her home turns out to be the worst job of Kipps’ life as he comes to terms with the horrors and secrets of Eel Marsh House.
The vast expanse of bleak marshland, which isolates it from reality would deter any normal individual from ever setting foot in the deserted property. However the determined Kipps returns and soon discovers the error of his ways. One is constantly checking the corner of the screen to catch a glimpse of the figure in black and this creates an incredible feeling of suspense. It’s all very unoriginal as Kipps creeps down darkened passages and fumbles around for the right key; however these clichs are essential, as they stay faithful to the gothic tradition. Not exactly renowned for its subtlety, Hammer Productions does well in refusing to show too much as we fear what Kipps is timidly stumbling towards.
Based on a novel by Susan Hill and later developed into a play, The Woman In Black was bound to be adapted for the big screen. I enjoyed the theatrical version and consider it as being superior to the film as Kipps’ personal trauma lends itself better to the intimate setting. However the film manages to make effective use of close-ups in the home, as it focuses on haunting china dolls and moving musical animals. In the same way that clowns have the power to freak-out adults, these toys are equally unsettling as they stare intently at Kipps and remind the audience of a childhood that can never be retrieved again.
I also preferred the play as it relies more on dialogue. This film is lacking in conversation and this is infuriating because no-one ever tells Arthur Kipps not to go to Eel Marsh House. Of course, there would be no story if Kipps immediately knew of the woman in black, yet the absence of much speech means that Daniel Radcliffe’s acting credentials are not properly tested. The very idea of Radcliffe as a father is ridiculous and shows that it will be difficult for him to ever break free of the Harry Potter franchise. However he is perfectly capable of running around the house with a permanent look of fear. And there is not a wand in sight.
Although it’s not the most chilling film of all time, The Woman In Black shows that horror can be successful without too much gore or sensational thrills. It is a simple and traditional tale, which maintains a significant level of suspense throughout and will continue to unsettle audiences for many years to come.
Rating: 3/5
4 Comments – Post a comment
neilramsden
Commented 51 months ago - 13th February 2012 - 21:26pm
I enjoyed The Woman in Black. It was pretty creepy which is as much as I could have expected. But I worry that Hammer, despite just restarting, doesn't have original ideas. This film was basically the plot of the Ring and the atmosphere (though not quite as accomplished) of the Orphanage. There were precious few surprises in it, and the plot was disappointingly simple for a story which such history. So yeah, good film btut a bit run-of-the-mill.
hisgirl210410
Commented 51 months ago - 20th February 2012 - 18:19pm
everyone who i know that has seen it has said it is extremely scary
i shall find out on wednesday when i see it, very nice article x
katniss everdeen
Commented 48 months ago - 24th May 2012 - 16:48pm
im seeing monday so ill find out then if it is realy scary i think it is already coz i have seen the trailer and nearly every1 in school has seen it. so ill find out monday. i cant wait 2 watch it and i no im gonna b scared coz i nearly screamed in the hunger games. lol
katniss everdeen
Commented 48 months ago - 24th May 2012 - 16:51pm
omg it is scary