The Woman in Black

I saw The Woman in Black yesterday and it was okay, I guess. I was extremely disappointed considering that it had minimum relevance to the book itself - I've read it five times. I understand that the characters and events would happen different from someone else's perspective but it didn't keep the true meaning of the story; it didn't bring justice to Susan Hill.

Before I criticise anything, I don't think I should watch a horror movie in a cinema with screaming teenagers again. The worst experience ever. There were two teenage girls beside me who wouldn't stop laughing, no the movie wasn't funny at all so there was no reason to this and due to the never ending laughter, I was on the verge to snapping. To make matters better, the teenage boys behind me wouldn't stop threatening Arthur (Daniel Radcliffe) as he casually entered Eel Marsh House after being scarred (heh, wrong movie) emotionally. Comments such as: "I will slap him if he goes in there again" made the movie humorous.

This sounds insanely critical but it truly is. In the book, Arthur is remarried several years later after the death of his first wife and he is reflecting upon his traumatic experience. Sure, I can deal with this event not occurring but making his Arthur a widow from the start is pushing it a little. Further, many of the main events did not occur, such as: The Funeral of Mrs Drablow (this was the most important chapter to me as it contained the first sighting of the woman in black and Mr Jerome's reactions), Whistle and I'll come to You, and The Woman in Black (the irony). There may have been hints to these but it wasn't portrayed effectively. Trust me, if I hadn't have read the book before, I couldn't tell you the plot to this movie. Originally, I thought it was about a man who struggled to deal with this traumatic experience as he tries to gain control from announcing it to us (the audience) but now, I just don't know. There was too much going on and the simplicity was taken away.

Despite this, it did have good effects. I would say it passed as a horror movie as there were several screams from behind me in the cinema so I shall give credit to that. Also, I squealed when Jessica Raine came on the screen (major fan of Call the Midwife) so that was definitely a bonus for me.

It could have been the dreadful cinema experience or the movie itself that led to my bitterness for The Woman in Black but overall, I feel that there wasn't a real story line. I just didn't feel connected to it. Definitely sad to say that I wouldn't recommend it, it is time to bid you goodbye.

Mae