An American Haunting: Unrated (2006)

The following review originally appeared June 11, 2006.

An American Haunting is based on the true, documented story of the haunting of the Bell Family. While we're talking truth, the Bell Witch is the only documented case in this nation's history of a 'spirit' killing a human.

According to history (and the movie), in the early 1800's John Bell (Donald Sutherland) upsets a fellow church member, Kathryn Batts (Gaye Brown) in a somewhat shady business deal. The woman is rumored to be a witch and before they part she warns that great evil will befall him and his precious daughter Betsy (Rachel Hurd-Wood). Shunned by the church and with Batts' words ringing in his ears, John and his family go on their merry little way. At this point, the viewer should enjoy the peaceful moment because all hell is going break loose.

Within days strange things begin to happen. A great black wolf stalks Mr. Bell while he's out hunting with his son. There's scratching noises on the roof or are they in the house? Windows shatter, candles blow out, rain thunders down. And then there's poor Betsy at the mercy of this poltergeist. The spirit uses young Betsy as a rag doll, mercilessly beating and assaulting her. John and his wife Lucy (Sissy Spacek) can only watch helplessly as their daughter is tormented by the evil spirit.

The Bell family and what few friends they have left turn to the only things they know to help them-- a family Bible and guns. If only it could have saved them.

An American Haunting is a beautiful movie that chills to the bone and tingles the spine. Director Courtney Soloman depends on his camera to 'be' this unknown, unseen, presence that terrorizes the Bell family. He more than succeeds, mastering fine nuances of cinematography to tell a creepy story with amazing depth. The use of lighting, costuming, and muted color palette is beyond reproach.

Superb! You couldn't have found a better set of actors. The whole cast is strong. Donald Sutherland's portrayal of John Bell is simply award-winning. He says so much behind those eyes. Rachel Hurd-Wood is undeniably brilliant in this film as Betsy. The viewer is enchanted by this young girl and by the end, one is just wishing the torment would stop for her. The complexity in the relationship between father and daughter is something you can't quite put your finger on, for better or worse. Sissy Spacek as the distraught mother, Lucy, left in the dark is outstanding.

The pacing of this film is dead on. No pun intended. By the time the credits role, the viewer is thanking God it's over. One, because the just want the spirit to leave the innocent girl alone and two, because they've got to clean their pants out.

As for the ending, I won't spoil it. I've given away too much already. One must keep in mind, that there are many possible 'explanations' and theories surrounding this story. Of the all ones the writers could have used, I think they could have picked a better one. For me, the ending was a bit ho-hum, but it didn't really matter. I got great scare out of it, definitely more than six bucks worth.

Having seen the 'unrated' version today weekend, I am compelled to write an addendum. The "unrated" version completely changes the feeling of the movie and not in a good way. Scratch the last two paragraphs. The thrilling tension built through the first hour is burst thanks to Director Solomon's need to expose every detail. It just sucks the life right out of the film making An American Haunting a sad and cliched picture.