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The Haunting – Sexuality & Gender The two versions of ‘The Haunting’ are both different and each signals the values of contemporary society (or what was contemporary at the time of release). Robert Wise’s 1963 version of the film, ‘The Haunting’, showed a different representation of women than in Jan DeBont’s 1999 remake. This is due to the changing attitudes towards sexuality and gender of contemporary society. In Wise’s version, the main character, ‘Eleanor’ or ‘Nell’ (Julie Harris), is very frail and is shown as a believably naïve and emotional spinster. Whereas, in contemporary society, it would not be acceptable to portray a woman in this way. So, Jan DeBont had to change the character’s personalities to adapt to the change in societal values. Hence, why the 1999 version of the film shows ‘Nell’ (Lili Taylor) as a young, attractive and determined woman. However, the character of ‘Theodora’ in the 1963 version (Claire Bloom) is shown as confident and wealthy. This could be Wise’s attempt at showing that at the time values were changing and that women were starting to stand up against traditional principles. Also, from the extract I watched, it seemed as if ‘Theo’ was not exploited as a sex object. Also, I noticed subtle hints of homosexuality/lesbianism through her dialogue. For example, when ‘Nell’ and ‘Theo’ first meet, ‘Theo’ smiles at ‘Nell’ and says, “we shall be like sisters” as if implying a sexual tone to her voice. It seems in the 1963 version Wise is trying to imply a change in sexual attitudes but keeping a low profile as not to offend the more traditional viewers of the film.
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