I wrote a review for The Woman in Black, the book, with the plan that I would see the movie and be able to compare the two different art forms. Without question, I walked into the movie expecting it to be just like every other attempt to create a movie from a book. I knew the story would be different, having already seen movie trailers.
In the book, Arthur Kipps is sent to Eel Marsh House to review the documents of Alice Drablow. Read my entire review here.
In the movie, Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) is sent to Eel Marsh House, not as a way to improve his position in his company, but as a way to save his job. Since the death of his wife during childbirth, Arthur has not been working up to his expected level of performance. In a drawing done by his son, Arthur is drawn with a frown--always. Asking why, Arthur is surprised to learn that is how his son sees him.
The tension in the book itself is brought out with description. Susan Hill does an amazing job of describing the scenery, the appearance of the woman in black, the sounds of the house and the fear Arthur felt throughout his entire experience in the house.
As expected, it is easier in the movie. The sounds of footsteps vibrate through the audience because of the sound system. Seeing a ghost reflected in a mirror or window, as a surprise movement, or a sudden appearance, gives the visual effect the director was looking for--a shout of surprise from the audience.
Overall, bringing the book to life in the movie was done very well. The book is a classic horror story that should not be read at night, if you want to sleep. The movie is also a classic horror story, with tension and fear. True horror is tension and suspense, not the gore that so many people see it as today. The Woman in Black movie is a great addition to the long history of this book by Susan Hill.
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