Review of Changeling (2008) by Tom B — 26 Jun 2011

Clint Eastwood's dead on, inspirational, masterpiece of cinema could not have been more effectively or gracefully made. Creating his own score, and using all of his talents to visualize the plot; Eastwood has proven he has serious Hollywood chops.

Casting Angelina Jolie as an emotional and deeply rooted character is not something most directors would do. But, in hindsight it was nothing short of the most perfect thing to happen to Jolie's career. No longer is she just the girl next door, or the sexy-suave action heroine. Angelina can hold a role, and a film.

Supporting her brilliance are John Malkovich, Colm Feore, Jeffrey Donovan, and Jason Butler Harner-- each one supplementing their well designed and written roles with livelihood and an odd sense of conviction.

The 20's fashions employed throughout the film were understated, yet marvelous. Designed to be worn, yet obviously time-period, each garment was suited for the film. Something normally overlooked, these costumes cannot be forgotten.

The sets were surprisingly great! The house Jolie's character lived in was a real neighborhood from this year (just removed satalitle dishes and modern mailboxes). The sets were mostly real places in LA that still exsist, but some was of course in a studio. But still this was more than excellent.

Incredibly thought out, and carried out, each facet of the plot brought real elements of the story, and Los Angeles, while still following the more traditional story arc used in dramatic film. It is not every film that can hook the audience in, and allow them to cry with the actors within the first hour of the film, and still bring more punches further in the second and third acts. But, Changeling managed to exercise all of my emotional ranges.

Portraying the murders and gore with decency and a level of class did not withdraw from the overall tone of the film, yet the film was made watchable. Violence and murder involving children is often painful to view, and Eastwood managed to use just the right amount of gore to allow the audience to assume the actions taken.

A corrupt and unjust society against a single mother. The entire film reeks of maternal love, and crippling fear. Tastefully produced, and yet still disturbing. Brilliant.

A DEFINITE must see for everyone. In fact I'm surprised it didn't receive more attention!

QUOTES:

But one thing I know is that boy gave me something I didn't have before.

Detective Lester Ybarra: What's that?

Christine Collins: Hope.