Review of The Changeling (1980) by Gary S — 09 Nov 2010
An older, somewhat obscure ghost story. I came across a recommendation for it when trying to dig up good scary movies for Halloween. A bit belated, but I finally got around to watching it. The story is a familiar one - a ghost starts being spooky to someone, and that person becomes obsessed with working 'for' the ghost and uncovering that ghost's mystery, which of course has to do with the wrongful murder of said ghost.
It's been done many, many times. However, it's the details that make the film and this one is a carefully paced, slow burning effort, with fine direction and a compelling lead character. We follow a composer who has lost his wife and daughter to a horrific car accident and is still coping with the loss, who has just moved away and into a very old house.
It's rare that a film really 'scares' me anymore, but I give this film credit for giving me intense goosebumps for about fifteen seconds straight, at least twice. And all that done really without a hint of gore.
I liked it - the film has got more heart than your average ghost story, but not because of the script or the tired story - rather, it's something in the execution and the performance from the lead actor.
Certainly worth a watch.
This review of The Changeling (1980) was written by Gary S on 09 Nov 2010.
The Changeling has generally received positive reviews.
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