The Changeling (Widescreen)

 

 

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This movie is so unlike any other. It's not gory, but it's incredibly scary. It has a great storyline too, which is sorely lacking in today's movies. I watch it every year, and it never gets old. Love it!!

One of the supposed reasons why ghosts remain in this world is that they were murdered, and want the world to know who did it.

So expect a lot of that in "The Changeling," a quiet, compelling ghost story that harkens back to old-fashioned chillers. No ghouls, buckets of blood, chainsaws or serial killers. Instead, this movie relies on outstanding acting, and a timeless feeling that permeates the simple story. And it'll scare the skin off you.

John Russell (George C. Scott) is on a trip with his wife and daughter, when a freak car accident kills them both. Months later, the grieving composer moves to Seattle and rents an enormous historical house, trying to bury himself in his new job. But there are odd sounds and sights in his house -- faucets running, eerie voices the piano clashing, and a boy drowned in the tub.

John becomes increasingly desperate to find out the truth, assisted by the real estate agent who got him the house (Trish Van Devere). With seances, visions and a well under the floorboards, he begins to piece together a terrible crime from many years ago -- and the "changeling" that the ghost wants revenge on.

Anyone who wants blood, special effects and lots of screaming had better look elsewhere for their horror kicks. "The Changeling" is a very different kind of movie -- think Shirley Jackson, not Stephen King -- where a wheelchair rattling down the stairs is enough to make your hair stand on end. (And do I detect some influence on "The Ring" in certain scenes?)

This movie also feels elegant and timeless. Old mossy mansions, horseback riding in damp forests, and a composer trying to overcome his grief. Peter Medak drapes the movie in beautiful visuals, and allows the viewers to get to know the characters before the plot really gets moving.

Then "The Changeling" becomes creepy very fast. The plot grows more suspenseful with every scene, building with every new discovery -- a wheelchair, a baptismal medal, and a bathtub -- until something has to erupt. The ghost never appears except in flashbacks -- an appalling murder scene -- but his keening voice can be heard over and over.

George C. Scott gives a pitch-perfect performance as the mild, slightly reclusive John, who is still suffering from his losses and trying to move on with his life. Van Devere comes across as a bit annoying at first, but she also serves as a good counterpoint to Scott, as well as a potential love interest whenever he's ready. Melvyn Douglas also has a good brief role as a politician with a deep dark secret.

Less is more in "The Changeling," a movie whose scares spring from its exceptional scripting, eerie ghost and great acting. Just don't watch this one alone in the house... at night.

Since the first time I saw this film when I was 6, I've been trying to find a haunted house film to top this. I still get chills in certain scenes (not going to spoil it for anyone) 20 years later. They don't make 'em like this anymore, only wish they did. Until they do, nothing will beat this one in the haunted house genre for me (and I've seen a bunch).

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4.0 out of 5 stars WHOA !
good old school CREEPY/SCARY flick ! Not your typical "hack n slash". Just GOOD & CREEPY ;-)

Published on Mar 27 2010 by James Krist

5.0 out of 5 stars Whatever you do...DON'T GO INTO THE ATTIC!!
XXXXX

A man named John Russell (George C. Scott) moves into a house. House turns out to be haunted. Boring, right? Well, to my surprise, NO! Read more

Published on Dec 22 2009 by Stephen Pletko

5.0 out of 5 stars FOLLOW THE BOUNCING BALL
This movie is truly a frightening ghost story. Director Peter Medak wisely chose to downplay any gore, instead giving us a series of terrifying sequences, revolving around a... Read more

Published on Jun 14 2004 by Michael Butts

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST ever suspence horror film!
It is not gory, sorry, I like gore, but at the same time gore need not be a crutch to mess with people's heads, you can acheive the same effect with Skinny Puppy, a walk down a... Read more

Published on May 29 2004 by C. Ream

2.0 out of 5 stars Its just a bore, folks, so WAKE UP!!
The three best horror films of all time are Horror Hotel, Carnival of Souls, and Circus of Horrors.
The Changeling is noteworthy for Trish Van Devere, who is a... Read more

Published on May 23 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars The Changeling (1979)
Director: Peter Medak
Cast: George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Melvyn Douglas, Jean Marsh, Barry Morse.
Running Time: 109 minutes. Read more

Published on May 23 2004 by The Tweeder

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly frightening film, don't watch it alone!
This film frightened the Bejeus out of me when I first watched it on video many years ago. I foolishly watched it on my own and got so frightened I had to call up my friend and... Read more

Published on April 20 2004 by Kali

4.0 out of 5 stars Good movie, crappy CARDBOARD dvd case
Quite a tidy haunted house movie. My major gripe is with the dvd packaging, I can't stand the crappy cardboard snap-shut cases.

Published on Mar 17 2004 by pennywiseguy1

5.0 out of 5 stars SCARIEST HAUNTED HOUSE FILM EVER.
I saw this movie as a child & have rented it at least 10 times, so I had to buy it as soon as it came out on DVD. Read more

Published on Mar 15 2004 by FLPaintman

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Well Made Scary Ghost Story
The Changeling is not a Horror Film, it is a good old fashioned Ghost Story that is done so very well. Read more

Published on Jan 22 2004 by OverTheMoon

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