One Horror Movie That Managed to Scare Martin Scorsese and Guillermo del Toro
When masters of cinema like Scorsese and Del Toro say a movie scared them, you know it's a must-watch.
Few horror movies can send shivers down the spines of the masters of cinema themselves. One such film is Peter Medak's 1980 forgotten classic, The Changeling.
This psychological thriller has not only wowed regular viewers but has also earned high praise from renowned filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Guillermo del Toro.
The Changeling centers around John Russell, a music composer who relocates to an isolated mansion in Seattle following the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter. Unbeknownst to him, the mansion is already occupied by the ghost of a child who passed away there long ago.
The story struck a chord with Scorsese, who named it one of the scariest movies of all time. Del Toro was equally impressed, even shouting "You're my mentor!" to Medak at the BAFTA Awards.
What sets The Changeling apart is its focus on psychological terror rather than cheap scares. Medak was inspired by the 1963 film The Haunting and aimed to create a movie that was deeply unsettling without relying on gore or jump scares.
The movie was primarily shot in Vancouver, with the entire mansion being a meticulously designed set. This allowed Medak to create a truly immersive experience, capturing the eerie atmosphere of the haunted house. The film may not have been a box office hit, but it was a labor of love for Medak, who was thrilled with the final product.
The Changeling has had a lasting impact on the genre, influencing other filmmakers and even being referenced in Del Toro's 2015 film Crimson Peak.
An eponymous TV series starring LaKeith Stanfield is about to premiere on Apple TV+. However, The upcoming TV show has nothing to do with this 1980 horror except for sharing the same title.
The Changeling is a horror movie and a psychological thriller that has stood the test of time. It’s no wonder the movie earned the respect of cinematic giants like Martin Scorsese and Guillermo del Toro. If you're a fan of horror movies, this is one film you won't want to miss.
Source: The Daily Beast