Peter Medak, Director of ‘The Changeling’, Has Passed Away at 88
Terrible news this morning, as we’ve learned that Peter Medak, director of the haunting classic ‘The Changeling’, has passed away.
Terrible news this morning. Variety reports that Peter Medak, director of The Changeling, has passed away. He was 88.
According to the outlet, Medak passed on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Born in Hungary, Medak’s career spanned six decades. During that time, he frequently dabbled in the horror genre, directing episodes of The Twilight Zone, Tales from the Crypt, Hannibal, and Masters of Horror.
Medak’s feature work included Species II, though it’s The Changeling that genre fans will remember him for.
A chilling haunter unleashed in 1980 and starring George C. Scott, the film sees a professor (Scott) move to a mansion after the deaths of his wife and son. There, he discovers the dark history of the place and the eerie ghost of a child who cannot rest.
Even if you haven’t seen The Changeling, you’ve seen its influence across the horror genre. The ball bouncing down the stairs that you see in countless scary movies? That’s from The Changeling. It’s a frightening masterpiece and remains an iconic ghost story that continues to spread its influence.
Our hearts go out to Medak’s friends and family. He was an extraordinary talent, and we’ll miss him dearly.
