Winchester (on DVD)

Winchester
[DVD Winchester]

Having toured the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, I was looking forward to seeing this film, which was filmed (in part) in that huge, rambling structure. Add to that that I’m a fan of Helen Mirren, who portrays Sarah Winchester in the film, and I greatly anticipated what story the film-makers would tell.

I was hoping for a legitimate biographical story of Sarah Winchester, the widow who inherited the fortune built on the Winchester Repeating Rifle. She was a fascinating historical figure — supposedly haunted by the ghosts of every who had been killed by her family’s rifles. She started a never-ending construction project on her mansion in the countryside outside of San Jose, CA — the constant noise and bustle of construction supposedly kept some of the “spirits” at bay. Also, many of the bizarre and unrelated rooms she had built onto the house were designed specifically to contain and restrain vengeful ghosts. If you ever have the chance to see an actual documentary about Sarah and her house, or every find yourself with an opportunity to tour the house, don’t pass it up.

Unfortunately, the film they chose to make is much more of a traditional “horror” film, with a little historical semi-accuracy thrown in to provide flavor. Mirren as Winchester, and Jason Clarke as Dr. Eric Price, a visiting physician (brought in to help determine if Sarah is sane), both provide excellent performances, as do Sarah Snook and Finn Scicluna-O’Prey, as the young aide to Sarah, and her son living at the mansion. Those performances, and the marvelous set design and costuming, almost salvage this film. But the “shock” nature of the horror, and the limited views we get of the actual mansion, left me a bit disappointed. Horror fans may appreciate this one (and learn a little bit about a true historical person and location). But those seeking more than just standard horror fare may feel a bit let down.

[ Internet Movie Database entry for Winchester ] | [ official Winchester web site ]

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library

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