The Haunting
A remake of the classic 1963 movie "The Haunting" about a team of paranormal experts who look into strange occurrences in an ill-fated house. Through the course of the night some will unravel, some will question, and all will fight for their lives as the house fights back.
Despite a considerable budget of $80.0M, The Haunting became a financial success, earning $177.3M worldwide—a 122% return.
4 wins & 14 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Haunting (1999) demonstrates precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Jan de Bont's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 53 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Eleanor 'Nell' Vance lies awake in her small bedroom, caring for her demanding invalid mother, trapped in a life of servitude and isolation with no identity of her own.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The First Threshold at 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to After experiencing terrifying supernatural events on the first night, Nell chooses to stay at Hill House despite having every reason to leave. She feels connected to the house and wants to understand why., moving from reaction to action.
At 57 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Nell realizes the house isn't just haunted—it's alive and malevolent. Hugh Crain's evil spirit controls Hill House, and the children's ghosts are crying out for help. The game changes from curiosity to survival and moral duty., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 85 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Luke is killed by the house, decapitated by a supernatural force. Death has arrived, and the stakes are now life and death. The group realizes no one may survive Hill House., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 90 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Nell confronts Hugh Crain's monstrous spirit in the house's heart. She protects Theo and Dr. Marrow while facing down the evil that has tormented the children for over a century. She sacrifices herself to break Crain's hold and free the trapped souls., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Haunting's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping The Haunting against these established plot points, we can identify how Jan de Bont utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Haunting within the fantasy genre.
Jan de Bont's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Jan de Bont films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Haunting takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jan de Bont filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional fantasy films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Conan the Barbarian and Batman Forever. For more Jan de Bont analyses, see Speed 2: Cruise Control, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life and Speed.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Eleanor 'Nell' Vance lies awake in her small bedroom, caring for her demanding invalid mother, trapped in a life of servitude and isolation with no identity of her own.
Theme
Dr. Marrow's assistant mentions the study is about fear and insomnia, hinting at the film's exploration of confronting one's inner demons and the question: what are you really afraid of?
Worldbuilding
Nell's suffocating life caring for her mother, her sister's selfishness after their mother's death, and her decision to answer an ad for an insomnia study. We meet Dr. Marrow, who has ulterior motives for the Hill House study.
Resistance
Nell meets fellow participants Theo and Luke, explores the magnificent house, and experiences strange phenomena. Dr. Marrow explains the study while concealing his true purpose: studying fear responses in a supposedly haunted house.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
After experiencing terrifying supernatural events on the first night, Nell chooses to stay at Hill House despite having every reason to leave. She feels connected to the house and wants to understand why.
Premise
Nell discovers she may be a descendant of Hugh Crain and explores the house's dark history. Supernatural manifestations intensify as she uncovers the truth about the children's ghosts trapped by Crain. The house comes alive around her.
Midpoint
Nell realizes the house isn't just haunted—it's alive and malevolent. Hugh Crain's evil spirit controls Hill House, and the children's ghosts are crying out for help. The game changes from curiosity to survival and moral duty.
Opposition
The house actively prevents escape as the group tries to leave. Crain's spirit grows more aggressive and violent. Dr. Marrow confesses his deception. Nell accepts her role as Crain's descendant and the only one who can free the children.
Collapse
Luke is killed by the house, decapitated by a supernatural force. Death has arrived, and the stakes are now life and death. The group realizes no one may survive Hill House.
Crisis
In the aftermath of Luke's death, the survivors are paralyzed by terror. Nell grapples with the weight of her destiny and whether she has the strength to confront Crain's evil.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Nell confronts Hugh Crain's monstrous spirit in the house's heart. She protects Theo and Dr. Marrow while facing down the evil that has tormented the children for over a century. She sacrifices herself to break Crain's hold and free the trapped souls.