The Changeling (1980) - Newspaper Ad

Oakland Tribune - March 27, 1980

One of the better, if not one of the very best, cinematic ghost stories, The Changeling is a chilling meditation on grief that also provides something of an emotional catharsis beyond the mere "Boo!"

Whenever tales of hauntings are discussed the matter of why a character stays is broached with the dismissive question of "Why don't they just leave? I would." But that is the wrong question to ask, because the real one is, "What is compelling them to stay."

There is always an element of mystery to a haunting. Who is doing the haunting? Why are they haunting? Questions that are asked in The Changeling's effective advertising.

I do appreciate the trauma fueled emotional link between the character of John Russell (George C. Scott) and the spirit of Joseph. It explains both Russell's need to investigate the haunting, to understand it, and, in the end, try and help Joseph.

Again, The Changeling is a great ghost story.