review by Byron Sywanyk
The Changeling 1980
Reviewed Jun 06, 2012
Byron Sywanyk’s review:
What can be said? Maybe: If you haven't seen "The Changeling" (1980), then how can you approach any ghost story made after? Would it be a stretch to say that if it wasn't for this film, the soundtrack of horror would have evolved entirely differently? The Japanese hair ghosts would never have been as scary? Films like "Insidious" or "Poltergeist" might never have been made? Well, maybe that is a stretch, but I think it's safe to say that all those films owe a blood lineage to "The Changeling" because it set the bar, it wrote the rulebook and it scared the shit out of a generation.
If and when people ask what the scariest film I've ever seen is, I respond with "The Changeling." It's been a few years since I've watched my (VHS) copy, but this is a true chiller.
Byron: This film is a long time favorite of mine. It has been underrated and unfortunately overlooked by many . It is a great ghost story. Good review.
On my watch list now. Thanks for the heads up on this.