Monday, October 29, 2012

Halloween Horror Movie Marathon: Film 17

Today's Halloween movie recommendation probably should have come a bit sooner in this series as it's going to be one of the more difficult films to track down. I didn't find it on any of the VOD services. It's a much older film, so it's certainly not in Redbox. DVD's are still available, so cue it up in your Netflix fast or buy a copy from Amazon and get it overnighted because this is definitely one to put on your annual Halloween viewing list.



Released in 1980, The Changeling is easily my all-time favorite haunted house film. I will mention, though, that if you're a fan of a more modern-style horror film you might be a bit disappointed as there is barely a drop of blood spilled in the entire film. This one is all atmosphere and slow-burn creeps, but damn is it effective. Especially in the use of sound design, which is equally as effective at creating scares as anything seen in the film.

The plot revolves around a man played by George C. Scott who has recently lost his wife and daughter in a car accident (seen in a devastating opening sequence), and has now moved to a new city in order to try and get his life going again. Once in town, he's introduced to a young woman (Trish Van Devere) who works for the local historical society. She sets him up in one of the old houses they care for, one that hasn't been occupied in many years. As you may have guessed, there's a good reason why no one has lived there in a long while. Someone died there years before ... and that someone isn't happy about it.

From there I'll say no more of the plot, but leave it for you to discover the chills The Changeling has in store. What I do want to mention is that beyond the haunted house aspect, there's a wonderful mystery to be solved that is central to propelling the plot forward, and really what, I think, helps set this film above the many similarly themed films out there.

So in honor of a film that remains one of my favorites year after year, here is a short list of horror awards I'd like to give The Changeling:

*Creepiest use of a child's toy.

*Best seance scene.

*Creepiest use of a wheelchair.

*Best use of an old well (sorry The Ring).

*Best use of creepy otherworldly child's voice.

*Best George C. Scott fainting scene.

Ok, I just threw that last one in for fun.

I was also going to give it Best Roving Wide-Angle Steadcam Shots, but The Shining, which came out that same year, probably wins that one. Though, to be fair, The Shining had an entire hotel to move through were as The Changeling just has the one house.

But anyway ... if you enjoy a good mystery, atmospheric horror and strong acting, seek out The Changeling this Halloween.

But please don't accidentally rent or buy the other film called The Changeling which stars Angelina Jolie and was directed by Clint Eastwood. Not the same thing.

1 comment:

  1. This is easily my favorite, too. A terrifying ghost story - and a great mystery.

    A note, Wal-Mart typically has this film in stock around Halloween for $10.

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