I love this book. I read it and reread it, and it feels different at different stages in life. I think I always recognized that Julian thought Constance was the murderess, but I never thought about how it’s strange that he was comfortable living with a caregiver who he believed already tried to kill him. Maybe he wasn’t that comfortable to start, but having survived for years under her care, and now out from under the stress of being dependent on his unpleasant brother, he was pretty relaxed about her.
In terms of the mob scene, another key difference is that in the novella, the villagers won't touch the sisters so never physically harm them and instead circle them. I think it makes the villagers more like they are watching it for entertainment as opposed to the greater violence and brutality in the film.
I thought the actress cast as Merricat was perfect. She looked very upset when going into the village, but simply steels herself to deal with it and finish her tasks.
I haven't seen the movie, so I'll only comment from a book perspective Re: Julian - by reading the book it seemed to me that Julian knew the truth deep down, even if he was unaware of it, and in his unrelenting questioning of the most minute details of the "last day", in his considering Merricat dead, in the frequent jabs at Constance's cooking, it almost felt like he was prodding Constance to finally openly acknowledge the truth Re: Charles - there are some hints that Constance is somewhat smitten with Charles, no doubt because of her isolation. At some point she wonders if she should wear her mother's pearls, and only when Merricat asks her why would she make herself "more beautiful" she backpedals. The same day, she goes to check on Julian outside every few minutes, but it's implied she's actually checking on Charles, who is also outside in the garden... but nonetheless it's obvious he has a grasp on her as he immediately squarely positions himself as the head of the house by occupying their father's room, deciding on what is or is not allowed to do the with the family possessions etc.
I felt like in the book she more 😡 at the town people when the mock her trying to buy food. Vers the movie she comes off scared 😨 and nervous. I’m guessing this was done to make her more sympathetic
I actually think the actress of Merricat did quite a good job. Personally I find Merricat a very relatable character (apart from her wanting to kill people, I'm not murderer guys it's fine), and there was many moments in both the book and the film in which I could see myself in her. (By the way I am autistic and have many OCD traits as well as anxiety and I'm just generally kind of weird, so yeah, oh yeah and I also had separation anxiety when my parents divorced so I became quite protective like Merricat too). Thank you for this video.
I didn't realize you had done a Haunting of Hill House!!! I'm going to watch it as I have read the book but not yet seen it and I am very interested! Love the sister thing! Loved the video!
Something that I liked about the film, that I think many people didn't notice because it was a small detail, is that despite the father's mistrust of the banking system, according to one of the newspaper clippings that was his occupation. As far as I remember, there wasn't any indication of the father's job within the book.
Why are we being spoon fed information that we are given again later on,when just hinting at it,then finally revealing it later,would have served everything better?Because many people in the movie business,ironically,don’t know anything about movies apparently.
@@WhytheBookWins Another possibility is they just don’t care.I think they just look at other movies and basically say,”these other movies front load all their information instead of creating suspense.I know:let’s do the same thing!”
The movie is such a mess even though the casting was full of talented performers. The book has great build-up as only Shirley Jackson could create & you really feel for the sisters
I love this book. I read it and reread it, and it feels different at different stages in life. I think I always recognized that Julian thought Constance was the murderess, but I never thought about how it’s strange that he was comfortable living with a caregiver who he believed already tried to kill him. Maybe he wasn’t that comfortable to start, but having survived for years under her care, and now out from under the stress of being dependent on his unpleasant brother, he was pretty relaxed about her.
In terms of the mob scene, another key difference is that in the novella, the villagers won't touch the sisters so never physically harm them and instead circle them. I think it makes the villagers more like they are watching it for entertainment as opposed to the greater violence and brutality in the film.
I thought the actress cast as Merricat was perfect. She looked very upset when going into the village, but simply steels herself to deal with it and finish her tasks.
I felt like
The
Uncle was older in the book 📕 so it was unclear if it was the poison that effects his brain or hes going through Almzers
This was such a pyschotic experience
I haven't seen the movie, so I'll only comment from a book perspective
Re: Julian - by reading the book it seemed to me that Julian knew the truth deep down, even if he was unaware of it, and in his unrelenting questioning of the most minute details of the "last day", in his considering Merricat dead, in the frequent jabs at Constance's cooking, it almost felt like he was prodding Constance to finally openly acknowledge the truth
Re: Charles - there are some hints that Constance is somewhat smitten with Charles, no doubt because of her isolation. At some point she wonders if she should wear her mother's pearls, and only when Merricat asks her why would she make herself "more beautiful" she backpedals. The same day, she goes to check on Julian outside every few minutes, but it's implied she's actually checking on Charles, who is also outside in the garden... but nonetheless it's obvious he has a grasp on her as he immediately squarely positions himself as the head of the house by occupying their father's room, deciding on what is or is not allowed to do the with the family possessions etc.
Thanks for sharing!
I felt like in the book she more 😡 at the town people when the mock her trying to buy food. Vers the movie she comes off scared 😨 and nervous. I’m guessing this was done to make her more sympathetic
I actually think the actress of Merricat did quite a good job. Personally I find Merricat a very relatable character (apart from her wanting to kill people, I'm not murderer guys it's fine), and there was many moments in both the book and the film in which I could see myself in her. (By the way I am autistic and have many OCD traits as well as anxiety and I'm just generally kind of weird, so yeah, oh yeah and I also had separation anxiety when my parents divorced so I became quite protective like Merricat too). Thank you for this video.
Yeah she's a great, distinct character. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I love Jackson’s work, and this novel is one of my favorites by her! The narrator was very well done, and the whole plot was excellently articulated.
Agreed! I've only read two of her books so far but both are also ones I could see myself returning to again and again through the years.
I didn't realize you had done a Haunting of Hill House!!! I'm going to watch it as I have read the book but not yet seen it and I am very interested! Love the sister thing! Loved the video!
Thanks! Glad you liked the video 😁 Shirley Jackson is a great writer!
Something that I liked about the film, that I think many people didn't notice because it was a small detail, is that despite the father's mistrust of the banking system, according to one of the newspaper clippings that was his occupation. As far as I remember, there wasn't any indication of the father's job within the book.
This was one of my favourite books as a child. I haven't seen the movie, so I have no opinion on that.
Why are we being spoon fed information that we are given again later on,when just hinting at it,then finally revealing it later,would have served everything better?Because many people in the movie business,ironically,don’t know anything about movies apparently.
Lol true. I think studio execs think audiences are stupid.
@@WhytheBookWins Another possibility is they just don’t care.I think they just look at other movies and basically say,”these other movies front load all their information instead of creating suspense.I know:let’s do the same thing!”
The Merricat character gets no sympathy from me.
Best thumbnail pic ever!
Thanks! 😆
The movie is such a mess even though the casting was full of talented performers. The book has great build-up as only Shirley Jackson could create & you really feel for the sisters
Agreed!
thank you so much for making this video. if it wasn’t for this video i would of failed english. :)
Glad it helped!
❤