The Haunting of Hill House

What a wonderful example of how a great novel can be made into a great film without having anything in common but names and places!

So, as for the novel: Read it yesterday, loved every single minute. It is supposed to be a ghost story, but I am not sure if Hill House really is haunted, or if most of the action happens within the protagonist's head, or is caused by her (consciously or unconsciously). It is very dark, very haunting, very oppressive, classically psychological. A definite recommendation, and if anyone has read it, I'd love to hear whether you think it's the house or Eleanor who is causing the manifestations!

As for the 1999 film: I love CZJ, that's a first plus. I really like the idea about Hugh Craine and the children, as well as the marble faces everywhere. I loved that disturbing little carousel. But nothing from the novel is in the movie - except the characters. The plot is completely different, and the background story, too. In the novel, it is unclear if Eleanor is insane or not, in the movie, she is clearly the victim. The conflicts between Theo and Eleanor are entirely left out, as is everything happening outside. Hugh Craine and his wives play active roles, in the novel they are hardly mentioned at all. Luke dies - Eleanor does not die. It is a fantastic movie, but it has nothing to do with the book.

Thoughts?

Never heard of it, although you have sparked my interest. I might look into it after I finish the mountain of books that I hope to read within the next few years...