Changeling

source: Changeling

I've been waiting to see this movie since I first saw a trailer and then I read some of the critics reviews when it opened; I was concerned. But never one to listen to critics (thank God) I went to see for myself and I was pleased. This is a good movie with a good story. Angelina Jolie is good in the role of Christine Collins, even though I find it hard to look at her blown up lips. John Malkovic and Jeff Donovan (Officer Johnson) were also good, though I couldn't find Donovan's name in the IMDb character list. I was a little annoyed as the movie seemed to go on and on but then I understood why Clint Eastwood wanted to finish the story. Though a few scenes could have been easily cut, especially on in particular. 8/10

A grief-stricken mother (Angelina Jolie) takes on the LAPD to her own detriment when it stubbornly tries to pass off an obvious impostor as her missing child, while also refusing to give up hope that she will find him one day. This film impressed me on multiple levels. I had no idea that Angelina Jolie was capable of acting. I mean no disrespect to her, but the roles she had been given never were anything I considered worthwhile. Here, she not only proves herself, she gives 110%. Wow. Out-acting John Malkovich? Yes, yes she does it. The story was captivating, and although some of it seemed far-fetched, it turns out that most of this film was true or at least closer to the truth than most films tend to be. There really was a "fake boy" and the murders and everything else. I suspect the police corruption was exaggerated a bit here, but maybe not... if Los Angeles was anything like Chicago, they could have been a nasty, brutish lot.

Is Clint Eastwood on a mission to right wrongs? A number of his directional efforts deal with the casual and unthinking misogyny of men. This is no exception. As an actress, Angelina Jolie is also no stranger to portraying the institutional 'inmate'. In this picture however, she changes sides and portrays, very well I might add, a woman made wrong by the hazing and self interested concerns of a corrupt legal and police system. The film put me in mind of the poor modern day victim of British misogyny Sally Clark who was accused of and imprisoned for killing two of her babies when real medical evidence suggested they likely died of infections. In neither this case nor the Collins case as in the film was the outcome good. Congratulations to Eastwood for producing a period piece with modern day parallels. The story is not over yet.

A truly amazing film, such tremendous power, one of the great Eastwood classics. Watching it again after over a decade I couldn't believe how much power the film had. It continues to be an indictment of the LAPD, though they are likely less corrupt today than they were 90 years ago, they are still a incredibly toxic police department, with a tremendous number of racist cops on the force, a shameful degree of profiling, and a horrendous attitude toward the population. LAPD continues to be one of the blights on the face of Los Angeles. I say this from many, many years of having lived in that city, and having seem firsthand how heavy handed they are, and how hostile they continue to be, to the people of LA.

Changeling tells the story based on actual events about a mother's prayer for her kidnapped son to return home is answered, though it doesn't take long for her to suspect the boy who comes back is not hers. This is a heart breaking drama directed by Clint Eastwood, he manages to transmit the desperation of a mother without being corny or sensationalist. The plot is interesting, convincing and very well developed. It is perfectly set on the late 20's and the early 30's with a very good costume design. The cast is good, Angelina Jolie forgetting for a moment all her sexiness and performing as a desperate mother trying to find her son, she is really good in this role, you can really feel all her sorrow throughout the film and John Malkovich as reverend Gustav Briegleb is very convincing. In conclusion, Changeling is a movie that will take you on a ride of emotions such as sadness and anger. Totally worthy and fully recommendable.

Summary says it all, this is the most challenging film so far of 2008. Deep and daring, Clint exposes corruption within LAPD in this period piece. Brilliantly executed and finally a performance I appreciate from Angelina. Also stellar performances by John Malkovich, as well as Amy Ryan, Jeffrey Donovan, Michael Kelly, and others. This film drives it home which any parent can appreciate and will remember for some time. This is not your typical drama, but also a suspense filled thriller that had people in the theater crying, clapping, and closing their eyes. Still need to see The Wrestler, and The road, but as of October 2008, CHANGELING best picture, and very possible, Best Actress Angelina Jolie.

You must go see this movie. YOU MUST GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!! I'll admit I didn't know what to expect when my wife asked me to go to this movie. And of course having Jolie in it she didn't have to twist my arm to much. We had to go out of town to see it because our local theater wasn't showing it. The acting by Jolie was great. Eastwood's direction was great. And the 20's and 30's look to the movie was so realistic. I learned some things about this time frame by watching this movie. So not only did I enjoy the movie I learned a little bit along the way. This is a Rated R movie so I wouldn't take kids to it because there are a couple disturbing moments in the movie. If this movie doesn't get some Oscar nominations I will be very surprised. GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!

Eastwood makes great films - think of his body of work of the past ten years - both the modern and the WWII - and you get an oeuvre of work that will stand the test of time. Changeling will too. A period piece of the true story of the disappearance and the subsequent false reappearance of a son that changed California's justice system is simply powerful and in places very painful, horrific, and shocking. This is film as it should be: the filming (particularly lighting) is exemplary, the story mesmerizing and the performances are all excellent. Not easy viewing in places it is still a rewarding view in that it offers us reminders that no matter the obstacles good can come from evil. Recommended.