Criminally Underrated Horror: "The Changeling"
Jonathan Hutchings
Of all the different horror sub-genres, the "haunted house film" has always intrigued me. It's probably because of the fact that while its rules are very simple—straightforward narrative, standard three-act structure, predictable plot resolutions, etc.—there's a lot of room for creative, and sometimes even innovative, filmmaking.
Now, there are certain things that all haunted house movies, regardless of when or where they were made, have in common: strange noises, self-propelled doors, central mysteries the protagonist must piece together, etc., etc. What separates the classic ("The Haunting") from the ridiculous ("The House Where Evil Dwells") is that "extra something" they bring to the table, that intangible element that makes them unique. While I wouldn't go so far as to call 1980's "The Changeling" a classic, it certainly has a lot more going for it than just the standard monotony—and for that reason, it deserves to highlighted as a criminally underrated horror film.
Following the tragic death of his wife (Jean Marsh) and daughter (Michelle Martin), classical pianist John Russell (George C. Scott) relocates from New York to Seattle, where he's accepted a University teaching job. Hoping to get on with his life, John moves into an old house secured for him by the local Historical Society. But this house has a history of its own, one John is made all too aware of when the spirit of a young boy (Voldi Way) attempts to contact him.
With the help of a medium (Helen Burns) and a volunteer from the Historical Society named Claire Norman (Trish Van Devere), John discovers the young boy, named Joseph, was killed in the attic by his father nearly 70 years earlier. Having experienced loss himself, John does everything in his power to help Joseph rest in peace, even when the path towards a resolution brings him face-to-face with Sen. Joe Carmichael (Melvyn Douglas), a powerful politician and the key element in a chilling mystery of murder and false identity.
As I stated above, all good haunted house films offer their viewer something beyond the standard parlor tricks of floating glasses and mystifying groans, and in the case of "The Changeling," that "something" is George C. Scott. An actor of incredible skill, Scott has appeared in many great films throughout his career ("The Hustler," "Dr. Strangelove," "Patton"), all of which were further improved by his contributions.
As played by Scott, John Russell is a strong man, one who remains calm and collected even when dealing with the supernatural. Shortly after moving into the house, Russell hears noises coming from the upstairs, and decides to investigate. Making his way to the bathroom, he finds the water has been left on, and is slowly filling the bathtub. He shuts the water off, but when he looks into the tub, he sees the apparition of a small boy, completely submerged, staring back up at him.
Startled and confused, Russell backs away from the tub, yet his eyes remain affixed to the young boy at all times. He does not run, or scream in terror, because that's not how this character would react. Within John Russell lies the pain of a man who has lost so much, and the strength of one who has no intention of running any longer, regardless of what life may throw his way. What we have here is a fleshed out, fully realized protagonist that an audience can actually get behind—which, frankly, is a horror rarity.
There are other aspects of "The Changeling" that make it a memorable film as well. It features one of the all time great cinematic motifs involving a bouncing ball. As the film unfolds, and more narrative context is unveiled, the ball becomes an important symbol—leading up to a climatic scene that is brilliantly shot from a low angle with slight jib maneuvering. It's downright chilling and the pay off is extraordinary. And of course there's one of the most fascinating séances ever committed to film.
Director Peter Medak wisely directs this scene in an unobstructive manner. He isn’t overly concerned with camera movement, he just wants to capture the enormity of what's transpiring. It's in this deliberately slower paced sequence where one realizes that this isn't just a good horror film, it’s a great piece of psychological storytelling. Moments like these, combined with Scott's steadfast performance, elevate "The Changeling" above the standard fare, bringing it to rest comfortably on a level with some of the best this particular sub-genre has to offer.
Reader Comments (22)
More horror coverage please.
Very nice choice! This is definitely one of the most underrated horror flicks ever. I'm glad you decided to do a post on it. I totally agree about the ball and the seanse. Like you said it's not just great horror, it's elevated into simply good filmmaking. I urge all of TSL readers to see "The Changeling" right away. What are you waiting for!? Hehe
It's nice to see Scott get some love. Jonathan he was great in all of the movies listed, but I think it's worth mentioning that he was excellent in Anatomy of a Murder too.
I'm sad to say that I haven't seen Changeling, but now I'm adding it to my Q. Thanks for the recommendation.
~Andy~
this movie has one of the most sweet movie taglines ever........
"How did you die, Joseph...? Did you die in this house...? Why do you remain...?"
awesome.
This movie is something that appeals to me and I will search it out next time I am at the store. Great review Jonathan.
Chaz
Orlando, FL
Home of Walt Disney World
This movie was good, and it had a few suspenseful moments--but it wasn't really that scary, nor did it have me on the edge of my seat. This is a good "haunted house" mystery movie, that's fun on a stormy night and you're not looking for a gore fest. There's a few "jumpy" moments, but overall it's really not that scary or frightening...probably because it wasn't really done in a realistic manner.
The part I enjoyed the most was the plot...this movie had a superb 70 year old murder mystery to solve, to figure out why the ghost is haunting the house. The house/sets/setting they chose and/or used for this movie were superb! Those also helped with the "eeriness" and the few spooky moments. However, I didn't think George C. Scott particularly gave an oustanding performance...he seemed kind of dry, not much emotion, and "cranky"--which is actually how he has been in every film I've seen him in. His real-life wife at the time, Trish Van Devere, was a much better actor/actress in this flick. But, the mystery and the few suspenseful moments are worth seeing this movie.
If you truly want scary or frightening then I suggest "The Exorcist", the original 1979 "Amityville Horror", the original 1978 "Halloween", or the original (as well as the remake) of "When a Stranger Calls"--just to name a few, as there are many others. All of these are truly chilling and scary because they are either based on actual evens that have happened or are very realistic and possibly could happen. But, "The Changeling" definitely was an enjoyable ghostly mystery with an awesome plot that I truly enjoyed trying to figure out throughout the film. I would recommend this to any "haunted house"/ghost story movie lovers!
DD
Well, i don't know how old you are, but i was 15 when i saw this in the theatre and it scared the crap out of me. The only film i always considered scarier is The Exorcist. Which i never watched until i was much older because i felt it would be "that" scary.
But your review is an overall positive one, and it is exactly that...a supernatural ghost who done it story. Again i disagree with Scott, whom i thought was perfect in the role. This one required him to be "cranky". You needed an actor with strong presence, whom you beleived would actually pursue solving a ghost mystery, and no wimper with fear. To me, it is an almost perfect ghost story. The best one i've ever seen. The only glitch being the ambiguous ending.
The Amityville Horror(which i saw in the theatre when i was 14) doesn't even compare. It's more fun than scary. If "When A Stranger Calls" doesn't have that brilliant first 20 minutes twist, the picture never gets a remake. It falls to a rather ordinary film after that.
I wasn't old enough when "The Changeling" was first in theaters (I was only 4 in 1980) to see it. But, I've seen the movie a few times over the years and actually own a DVD of it. It does have some good spooky/suspense moments...but it's just not that horrifying or scary to me. I think part of the reason also is Scott's lack of emotion or response to the jumpy or ghostly moments.
I think George C. Scott is a good actor, it just seems like he approaches a lot of his movies the same way...the loud, cranky character. I didn't think this particular movie needed a "Patton" type of character to solve the murder and appease the ghost. Anyone who encountered the spooky moments would be scared at first...but later could realize what was going on and solve the mystery. However, he didn't seem that surprised or scared at all. Even with the constant bangings, the bathtub scene, windows blowing out, etc...he just seemed to sort of stare and think "Hmmm, that's strange...wonder what that could be?" If he had shown more emotion or fear (at least at first before he realized what was going on) then I think it would've helped make the movie a little more scary.
I like certain types of scary or horror movies and I enjoy checking different ones out. To be honest I usually end up liking the older ones better, as most of the ones today rely only on guts, gore, and blood--such as the "Saw" movies. That isn't scary to me...just sick. There's a difference. I usually like ones that are more realistically done (even if the plot itself isn't realistic) or ones that are based (or said to be true) on actual events.
I think ones like "Exorcist", "Amityville Horror"-(original and remake), "Halloween"-(original only), or "When a Stranger Calls"-(original and remake) are scary to me because they deal with actual true evil or very realistic psychotics...not Hollywood's version with Freddy Kruger or Jason Vorhees (with blood & guts and corny lines)--though I do enjoy and have a place for the "Nightmare On Elm Streets" and "Friday the 13th's". They, to me, are the "fun" ones to watch rather than being that scary or frightening.
It appears we're not that off track with each others opinions about the film. Just a few differences on minor details. I'm glad you enjoy the film because it is truly a film i adore.
I find it personally amusing because at that tender age of 15, i saw it with my best friend. I wanted to hide my eyes in certian parts so badly out of fear, but i had to be "macho", so i didn't! YIKES!! LOL
I've watched it 100 times since it it came out on video and in the beginning it still scared the crap out of me if i watched it by myself at night(which was often the case :). Like you said, it's the genuine spooky/creepy/ghostly atmosphere that i appreciate.
I too love the original "Halloween". Although it scares rely on a lot of strategically placed "jump" scenes(which Carpenter freely admitts to), it too has fantastic atmosphere, and a simple but very effective score(all the great ones have scores that are part of our DNA now).
And don't get me started on the "blood & guts" films that pass as scary today. 100% agreement with you on that. A guy at work keeps recommending all these films...Devils Rejects/Saw/Chainsaw remake/etc. My reaction is that's not scary.....it's just gross and disgusting!!! We do have Carpenter to blame a little(or a lot) for that one.lol.
Do you like the original "The Haunting '63?
Johnathan, what would you say to a remake? I wouldn't be aganst a remake of The Changeling, but i doubt they can improve on it. It didn't win The Genie Award for best picture for nothing. The atmosphere is second to none, and THAT"S how i prefer to be scared! Ghosts, Devils & Demons do the trick for me. However, The Changeling is noted for being "based" on a true story that took place in Chessman Park, Denver. This is obviously not true since Denver's Chessman Park is completely different. The writers probably heard the story and simply lifted the name.
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/co-cheesmanpark.html
Thanks for the comments, everyone!
Fork, I would be against a remake for exactly the reason you mentioned: they couldn't improve on the original. These days remakes are generally nothing more than money grabs, and they tarnish the legacy of the originals.
Let's just celebrate the classics and leave them alone. Maybe that way, future generations might actually discover them (what a concept!). It breaks my heart that some kids think Rob Zombie wrote Halloween. That's nothing short of a tragedy.
Oooooh yeah!!! thanks for giving this movie its props!
Ok...the shining was scary, so was poltergeist...but none of them add up to the changeling. I've seen a lot of "scary" movies...the scariest one is by far, the changeling. WHAT THE HELL IS SCARIER?! NOTHING!
Yep, pretty scary.
I just bought it on DVD a month ago and I gotta say, I didn't want to go to sleep after watching it one evening. I could just hear that little boy whispering in my ear. *shiver*
I've been thinking about this and I think both The Sixth Sense and The Shining are scarier. Though this is REALLLLLLLLY scary, and creeepy too... something The Shining did not have. It was more eerie.
The Sixth Sense? My hair in the morning is scarier than the Sixth Sense. It barely passes as creepy.
Session 9 (2001) is very creepy without any gore, zombies or monsters. Moreover, the story is layered and quite intelligent; you will find new things each time you watch it.
I love creepy. I'll check it out.
This one tops my list too. I've been all over the web trying to find some lists on the top scary movies ever and this movie was always up there. I bought this movie without even watching it first and I am so glad I did. So far I have found no equal. Not even everybody's precious little Exorcist matches this movie.
jordan said: "This one tops my list too. I've been all over the web trying to find some lists on the top scary movies ever and this movie was always up there. I bought this movie without even watching it first and I am so glad I did. So far I have found no equal. Not even everybody's precious little Exorcist matches this movie."
I agree about the Exorcist. I saw that when I was young, myself, and I actually thought that it was a comedy. Go figure. It scared my older sister, though, to the point that when a window shade popped open 3 minutes after she closed it, she screamed for 5. There's more funny story to be told, but not here.
The only part of Poltergeist that scared me was the clown doll part, but I think that I was already scared of my dolls before that. Heck, I was scared of my beanbag chair at night after seeing the Blob but not as much as I was of bathtubs after the Changeling.
Okay, you are right about how scary this movie is. I have been a great fan of The Changeling for many years, loving good literate ghost stories. It is hard to say but rated right up there in the same level in scariness and great story, is the original "The Haunting" from about 1963, not the awful remake of several years ago. It also didn't need any fancy special effects to make its case -really scary! I rate The Haunting and The Changeling about equal in the best of great ghost story movies.
Squeebox
I think The Haunting (1960) is scarier. The first 3 quarters of the original Evil Dead, too (up until the claymation melting monster faces, anyway).
This was a great read about a film that I think is a classic! It is really scary without the blood and gore.
I watched it as a young teenager when it was released and found it again on dvd a couple of years ago. My daughter and her friends, in their early twenties, all love this horror film.
Personally, I don't think a remake can improve it.
About George C. Scott: He is a great actor! I think he is the best Mr Scrooge in A Christmas Carol from 1984.