Day 7 - The Changeling (1980)

This 1980 classic is easily one of the greatest haunted house films to date. Peter Medak's The Changeling revolves around a composer who, after having recently lost his family, moves into a haunted house whith a dark past and a mystery that must be solved.This film possesses all of those elements which have come be recognized as fundamental in the haunting sub-genre and is executed with such finesse and style that it has become an icon, helping to define the haunted house story. As an icon, referneces to The Changeling can be found in such films as The Ring, What Lies Beneath, The Skeptic, Insidious, and in the Silent Hill video game series, just to name a few. Suffice it to say that this is an outstanding movie.

But even the greatest movies have their flaws. The most prominent flaw in The Changeling regards the films main character played by George C. Scott. Though Scott gives a great performance, something is lacking. The error seems to be that his character is simply too strong, to the point that, though still caring about him, the audience is never made to fear for him. Through all of the trials of his haunting Scott's character never once seems shaken, taking it all in stride, pushing forward and digging deeper where others would have simply abandoned the house. Despite the lack of fear for the main character's well-being however, there is no absense of eerie and frightening moments for the audiences' benefit.

In short, for anyone who would call themselves a true horror fan, or anyone who just enjoys haunted house stories, The Changeling is a must see.

Tomorrow I will be reviewing Mimic (1997).