Changeling

Changeling (2008)
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Length: 141 minutes
Rated R for some violent and disturbing content, and language



It seems 2008 was Clint Eastwood's year. Already receiving lots of press for his critically acclaimed film Gran Torino (2008), Changeling was the "other" film that received less hype and support from critics. I'll admit, before watching this movie, I was skeptical as I never have been a big fan of Angelina Jolie. Thankfully, I took the time to watch this excellent film by a director who just seems to get better with age.

Changeling is set in the late 1920s in Los Angeles, a time known for its corrupt police tactics and lack of due process. Christine Collins, played by Angelina Jolie (Salt, Wanted) in an Oscar nominated role, is a single mother who works as a telephone operator manager. Christine's life is centered on her son, who goes missing when she is forced to work a weekend shift and leaves the boy alone at home. Based on a true story, what follows is a bitter history of the terrible corruption that plagued the LAPD for years. When Christine's son is "found" by the police, the reunion does not go as hoped when she discovers the boy is not her son. Though Christine has proof that the boy is not hers including dental records, circumcision, height, etc. she is still unable to convince the police that they have made a mistake. What follows is the best depiction of the corruption of the LAPD since 1997's L.A. Confidential, fueled by Jolie's powerful performance as a mother determined to find her child.

As I stated, I have never been a big fan of Jolie's; however, in Changeling, she appears to have taken on a different form. Dressed in vintage 1920s attire and bright red lipstick, I almost couldn't believe it was the same woman who recently has played a sexy assassin in Wanted or the tough adventurer in Tomb Raider. Jolie's wraith-like figure and visage really complete her appearance as a working woman in the early 20th century. Beyond just her looks, she does an excellent job of not overdoing her character. It would have been easy to simply be a hysterical parent weeping on every sympathetic shoulder, but Jolie keeps a quiet yet believable strength about her character that helps you cheer on her crusade to find her real son.

The supporting cast, for the most part, does a respectable job. I was a little disappointed with John Malkovitch's (Jonah Hex, Burn After Reading) performance as Rev. Gustav Briegleb. It's not that he was terrible, but I have come to expect such great performances from Malkovitch that anything below great is slightly disappointing. Others may recognize Jeffery Donovan (Burn Notice) who plays the infuriating Capt. J.J. Jones. You will most definitely grow to hate Donovan's Irish captain who is often the center of the corruption.

I will warn that the movie does have some disturbing content. While this isn't as "in your face" as many modern movies, the weak-at-heart should be warned. At risk of spoiling the movie, I will not reveal the content, but it plays a central part of the film that will strongly influence your opinion of the characters as well as provide an interesting yet unforeseen twist.

On a more artistic side, I really love the colors employed by Eastwood throughout the film. A majority of the film has a hazy look that keeps the actors and sets in a drab almost monochromatic color scheme. This lack of colors really gives the movie a classic feel and look; yet, it is the bright burst of colors, like a yellow taxi or a red trolley, that really emphasize the look of the film. Perhaps this color scheme is what accentuates Jolie's almost ghost-like look throughout the film.

Ultimately, I feel Eastwood deserves more credit for his extraordinary year directing two great movies. While Gran Torino is still the better film, Changeling is an excellent drama that will force you to empathize with the plight of a mother who loses her child and fights the corruption others were afraid to challenge. Jolie is certainly deserving of her nomination and has proven she is a serious actress who can perform with the best of them. I certainly hope Eastwood will continue to direct, considering that he has already directed some of the best modern classics in just the last decade alone - Mystic River (2003) and Million Dollar Baby (2004) come to mind. I highly recommend this film to all; you will definitely be treated to a master of directing and an actress in a career-defining role.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Favorite Quote:
Christine Collins: "Fuck you and the horse you rode in on."

Oscar Nominations:
Best Achievement in Art Direction
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Actress in a Leading Role-Angelina Jolie