The Changeling: Haunting Innovation
In the previous blog post I briefly mentioned some of Charthouse’s favorite horror movies. Under mine I listed Halloween, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Witch. All great horror movies and Halloween stands as one of my top five favorite films ever made. With that list I wanted to the 1980 horror film The Changeling, but I held off for a reason. It’s a movie that is not often discussed but often has an homage played to it in most horror movies. It’s not only one of the greatest horror movies ever made, it’s one of the best films I’ve ever seen.
Film Still: The Changeling
Credit: Chessman Park Productions
Film Stills: The Shining, Let’s Scare Jessica To Death, Rosemarys Baby, The Changeling
Credit: Warner Bros, Paramount & Chessman Park Productions
In today’s spectrum of horror, you’ll often hear the term "Atmospheric Horror" (or "A24 vibes," which makes me want to gag. I love A24 as a company, but come on.) Atmospheric horror is the lingering feeling of unease, the sensation that even when nothing scary is happening on screen, it just feels like it could. Many modern-day movies have executed this exceptionally well, such as "The Lighthouse," "It Follows," and "The Babadook" – all great examples. Even though there has been a resurgence of atmospheric horror, it's nothing new. Films from the 70s and 80s like "The Shining," "Let’s Scare Jessica To Death," and "Rosemary’s Baby" serve as shining examples. However, "The Changeling" stands out as the epitome of modern atmospheric horror.
In "The Changeling," the imposing, centuries-old mansion where John Russell takes up residence becomes an integral character in the story. Its dark, labyrinthine corridors, creaking floorboards, and eerie, antique furnishings contribute to the overall sense of foreboding. Sound is a crucial element in atmospheric horror, and "The Changeling" masters this art. The film's subtle yet spine-tingling use of sound creates an unsettling atmosphere. From the echoing footsteps in empty hallways to the haunting, melodic notes of a child's music box, the sound design lulls the audience into a false sense of security, only to shatter it with jarring, supernatural occurrences.
The deliberate pacing of the film is another key element in building tension. Rather than relying on jump scares or rapid cuts, "The Changeling" takes its time to allow the suspense to simmer and the audience's unease to grow. This gradual approach keeps viewers on edge throughout the film's runtime, heightening the overall sense of dread.
It's not just about atmosphere; 'The Changeling' laid a robust foundation for the exploration of psychological horror in cinema. Its capacity to delve into the human psyche, exploit emotional vulnerability, and blur the lines between reality and the supernatural has left a significant imprint on modern filmmakers. Films like 'Hereditary,' 'The Babadook,' and 'The Witch' draw inspiration from these psychological horror elements, crafting experiences that challenge the viewer's mental and emotional stability.
In 'The Changeling,' emotional vulnerability takes center stage, exemplified by its protagonist, John Russell, who is already grappling with the devastating loss of his wife and daughter. This emotional turmoil renders him more susceptible to the supernatural events that unfold in the film. As viewers, we empathize with his grief and fear, intensifying the psychological impact of the story.
Furthermore, the film's portrayal of loneliness amplifies the feelings of helplessness and vulnerability, allowing the audience to share in his sense of isolation. This theme of isolation is a recurring motif in psychological horror, where characters frequently find themselves cut off from the outside world, magnifying their psychological distress.
Another hallmark of psychological horror is the deliberate blurring of the lines between reality and the supernatural. 'The Changeling' executes this brilliantly as John Russell's experiences gradually erode his grip on reality. This gradual unraveling creates a sense of disorientation, unease, and dread, prompting the audience to question what is real and what is a product of his fractured psyche.
The combination of emotional vulnerability, isolation, and a blurred sense of reality makes 'The Changeling' a powerful example of psychological horror that continues to inspire and influence the genre to this day."
Film Stills: Hereditary, The Babadook, The Witch, The Changeling.
Credit: A24, Umbrella Entertainment, A24, Chessman Park Productions
Film Stills: The Conjuring, The Ring, The Changeling
Credit: Warner Bros. Dreamworks Pictures, Chessman Park Productions
Obviously, I'm passionate about the film, but 'The Changeling' is not the sole example from the 1970s and 1980s that masterfully blends atmospheric and psychological horror. To delve deeper into this subject, let's focus specifically on the films it has influenced, starting with 'The Conjuring.'
Both 'The Changeling' and 'The Conjuring' share the classic haunted house theme, where unsuspecting occupants are terrorized by malevolent spirits. However, the influence goes beyond mere thematic similarities. There's a scene in 'The Changeling' where a spirit is contacted through an audio recording. This particular scene has been emulated in numerous movies, but 'The Conjuring' takes this concept further. When you watch both films consecutively, it's hard to miss the striking resemblance between the two.
Another film that drew inspiration from 'The Changeling' is 'The Ring.' While 'The Ring' is a remake of the Japanese film 'Ringu' and features a different type of malevolent spirit, both movies include a pivotal scene centered around a well. Granted, many movies have used well scenes, but the way 'The Changeling' masterfully filmed this scene, along with its skillful build of terror and dread, makes it easy to see the comparison.
“The Changeling" may have been released over four decades ago, but its influence on modern horror remains unmistakable. This classic film's emphasis on atmosphere, psychological horror, and innovative storytelling has left a lasting legacy in the genre. As horror enthusiasts continue to seek out spine-tingling experiences, they owe a debt of gratitude to "The Changeling" and the filmmakers who drew inspiration from its chilling tale of the supernatural. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of classic horror cinema.
For The Love Of Movies,
Jonathan Austin
