THe CHangeLing
That’s the way the ball bounces
released OUT NOW! 1980 | 15 | Blu-ray Director Peter Medak Cast George C scott, Trish Van devere, Melvyn douglas, John Colicos
“It’s not a horror movie,” insists director Peter Medak. Well, it is, but one which sits at the subtler end of the spectrum, along with the likes of The Haunting and The Innocents.
Based on a (supposedly) true story, The Changeling sees recently bereaved composer John Russell (George C Scott) moving into a rambling mansion, where he’s disturbed by mysterious bangs and taps turning themselves on. Could his dead daughter be trying to communicate with him?
Martin Scorsese is an evangelist for this classy, melancholy ghost story, which works its effects via gliding camerawork and suggestion rather than jump scares. A sequence which sees Russell toss his daughter’s ball off a bridge, only for it to bounce down the stairs on his return home, is just one of several which commands the hairs on the back of your neck to stand to attention.
The three-level mansion set is stunning; the sound design effective; and Scott, an actor usually associated with more bullish roles, shows here that he’s capable of conveying real vulnerability. If your kind of horror involves microfiche research, doors slowly creaking open and sinister music boxes, this is a textbook example of the type.
Extras A well-moderated commentary with the director and producer Joel Michaels has some interesting details, like the fact that Medak attended seances for prep, where his dead brother’s name came up… Both are hugely proud of the film, calling it a “benchmark” and complaining that the likes of The Others “shamelessly lifted” from it. Interviews with music arranger Ken Wannberg (nine minutes) and art director Reuben Freed (11 minutes) are pretty thin on insights. A wild-eyed Seattle historian recounts the real-life case in one featurette (17 minutes); another visits the locations (16 minutes). Horror director Mick Garris supplies a five-minute paean of praise; the disc also includes a trailer and a TV spot. This Special Edition comes bundled with a soundtrack CD, 40-page booklet and double-sided poster.
Hatley Castle, used here as a senator’s home, is now best known for its role as Xavier’s mansion in the X-Men films.