Review of The Changeling (1980) by Craig S — 04 Dec 2007

Directed by: Peter Medak.

Starring: George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere.

Such a hard film to find and such an unknown film to many, god knows why, especially in a world where people ask for a film that can naturally and expertly give you the chills....what do I say to them? Find this film.

The story follows the start of a family vacation for composer John Russell, but when a freak accident kills his wife and child, John is left devastated. With some help from friends, he rents a mansion with enough room to reflect and compose. Soon, this house proves to be more than just its large emptiness, the house starts to make noises at exactly 6am every morning, doors start to open and close by themselves....it all leads John to the devastating truth behind this house. I was first surprised at how technically advanced this film was for the year it was made, the vast scale and design is amazing and there are some visually stunning sequences to be had. I will admit, I was about to turn the film off within the first 30 minutes, although the film was stunningly shot, I had heard about the film being so unbearably chilling....but I didn't see it, from the strangely out of place music to the lack of tension, I saw no way that the film could redeem itself.....boy, was I very wrong! About the time when 'the room' is discovered (I won't say anymore than that), the film surpasses the expectations I had. Along with being beautifully shot, the tension is thick and we are given only small scenes that really chill you to your core, that you kept on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next one....there are so many scenes that will certainly stay with me for days(one involves a 'ball', another of a fast 'dolly shot' around the house). With 'horror' films of today (notice the '' around horror?), they have no clue on what can scare an audience, instead they rely on loud noises, sudden images and overkill of 'boo' moments, not to mention the lack of knowledge of horror by the filmmakers, Peter Medak on the other hand knows how to make our hairs stand up, from the whispers to the small noises, even the movements and angles used, scanning the house, it works so brilliantly. When we are not being chilled to the bone, there is a very compelling mystery story behind the film, that slowly builds us with the characters through many clues and a strong story, we are always kept attentive for whats to come. I somehow can't seem to judge the acting, I don't know of these actors and somehow I can't say anymore than they delivered solid performances, but I will say I wasn't overly impressed with George C. Scott, who just seemed to be too 'calm' throughout the film, even in the most terrifying parts where any normal man would think twice, he just seems normal and goes on with life.

But aside from that very small fault (that didn't effect the film for me), everything I had heard about this film was true and I am glad I searched for it. A very chilling, unnerving and compelling horror that is brilliantly directed and leaves imprints in your mind days after you finished watching the film.