The Changeling is an underrated haunted-house film set in Seattle (though filmed mostly in Vancouver, even then). George C. Scott plays a famous composer (sure, why not?) whose wife and daughter are killed in a horrible accident. He immerses himself in his work, relocating to Seattle, where he rents what can only be called a preposterously massive mansion for one human to occupy. When the house starts groaning, howling, and pounding on its own pipes, his attention is aroused. A bit of research leads him to uncover the kind of long-suppressed shameful tragedy that underlies all gothic horror and nearly all American wealth.
Scott is always a pleasure to behold (especially when pretending to be just a normal guy), as are the rare glimpses of pre-boom Seattle (the pencil building downtown was even more conspicuous and lovely 38 years ago), and director Peter Medak, late of The Ruling Class, would go on to make The Krays, Let Him Have It, and other dark gems. SIFF is presenting a restored print of the film, which ought to seal the deal.
The Changeling is presented tonight during a special screening event at the 44th annual Seattle International Film Festival, which is happening through June 10. More recommended SIFF films here; and all SIFF films here.
Here’s the original (not restored) trailer for The Changeling from 1980.
