Composer John Russell (George C. Scott) loses his wife and daughter in a freak accident, and moves from New York to Seattle to start over. But the historical mansion he moves into hides a nasty secret: not only is there a ghost, but a murder and a family secret that could have major consequences for a political empire.
I picked this movie up a few years ago after hearing my "friend" Trixie speak so highly of it. I am not really sure why I give her opinion so much weight, as she has mostly led me to watch horrible garbage like "Lucky" and "Red Riding Hood" and hideous films like "Slaughtered Vomit Dolls". She did show me "Strings", though, so I guess she did something right.
Now, do not get me wrong. "The Changeling" is a good movie. It has a slow, suspenseful pace and interesting characters. But it is a horror film that requires the right viewing environment. It has to be savored like a fine wine, not watched at a party or while getting drunk with a friend. There is plenty of effort going into the mood and atmosphere, but no blood and no body count. I watched this film a second time and enjoyed it much more than the first, knowing ahead of time that I had to savor the pacing. This is not a film for those with ADD.
The atmosphere, as I said, is key. This is a "mood" picture, with the musical score really carrying the film. On top of the score is the incorporation of classical music -- the protagonist is a composer -- and that only adds to the layered feel of the film. How much the music carries the film may be overlooked if you do not open yourself to it, as it is both powerful and subtle.
I found George C. Scott to be a wonderful and capable actor, although his Patton voice was distracting at times. I kept waiting for him to say "Americans traditionally love to fight", but he does not. This is not Scott's fault -- this is my fault for listening to Jackyl. Yes, you can hold that against me. Chainsaws as musical instruments are cool.
The character of Minnie Huxley also set a nice tone. I appreciate the ominous elderly person in a film, especially after "Crazy Ralph" in "Friday the 13th". This film not only anticipates "Friday", but more so "Stir of Echoes" -- Russell composes a song not unlike the music box (Kevin Bacon plays the Rolling Stones on his guitar) and both try to find a murder victim by digging in a house.
Director Peter Medak is now considered one of the "masters of horror". He may deserve this honor, he may not. His career is varied so that I do not think he necessarily gets thought of as a horror director. But, I will say "The Changeling" was notable and influential -- Martin Scorsese, for one, considers it inspiring -- and for that Medak deserved recognition. I would personally suggest you see this film, though do not go out of your way.
I picked this movie up a few years ago after hearing my "friend" Trixie speak so highly of it. I am not really sure why I give her opinion so much weight, as she has mostly led me to watch horrible garbage like "Lucky" and "Red Riding Hood" and hideous films like "Slaughtered Vomit Dolls". She did show me "Strings", though, so I guess she did something right.
Now, do not get me wrong. "The Changeling" is a good movie. It has a slow, suspenseful pace and interesting characters. But it is a horror film that requires the right viewing environment. It has to be savored like a fine wine, not watched at a party or while getting drunk with a friend. There is plenty of effort going into the mood and atmosphere, but no blood and no body count. I watched this film a second time and enjoyed it much more than the first, knowing ahead of time that I had to savor the pacing. This is not a film for those with ADD.
The atmosphere, as I said, is key. This is a "mood" picture, with the musical score really carrying the film. On top of the score is the incorporation of classical music -- the protagonist is a composer -- and that only adds to the layered feel of the film. How much the music carries the film may be overlooked if you do not open yourself to it, as it is both powerful and subtle.
I found George C. Scott to be a wonderful and capable actor, although his Patton voice was distracting at times. I kept waiting for him to say "Americans traditionally love to fight", but he does not. This is not Scott's fault -- this is my fault for listening to Jackyl. Yes, you can hold that against me. Chainsaws as musical instruments are cool.
The character of Minnie Huxley also set a nice tone. I appreciate the ominous elderly person in a film, especially after "Crazy Ralph" in "Friday the 13th". This film not only anticipates "Friday", but more so "Stir of Echoes" -- Russell composes a song not unlike the music box (Kevin Bacon plays the Rolling Stones on his guitar) and both try to find a murder victim by digging in a house.
Director Peter Medak is now considered one of the "masters of horror". He may deserve this honor, he may not. His career is varied so that I do not think he necessarily gets thought of as a horror director. But, I will say "The Changeling" was notable and influential -- Martin Scorsese, for one, considers it inspiring -- and for that Medak deserved recognition. I would personally suggest you see this film, though do not go out of your way.