Review of Changeling (2008) by Cory M — 01 May 2011

Changeling is a compelling stylistic period drama with strong performances. Based on the horrific true story, Clint Eastwood directs this compelling adult-drama and Changeling can add on the long list of fantastic movies this man has directed. Changeling is not a film about the 20's- it's a film in the 20's. With a fantastic set design Changeling delivers everything you can expect from a Clint Eastwood film.

Eastwood begins with only a few scenes showing the relationship between Mrs. Collins and Walter Collins as mother and son. The scenes set up the movie perfectly and Eastwood's camera angles always show the actor playing Walter Collins under very dim lighting so you can't always see his face completely. The scenes with the real Walter Collins only last about ten minutes. Eastwood is trying to represent how quickly a child can get lost and because the audience is never fully introduced to Walter Collins, they do not have enough memory of him as the movie continues. Eastwood is a very clever man and always directs scenes taking into consideration how they will affect future scenes in the movie. Eastwood's camera work is captivating throughout.

Angelina Jolie's performance is very absorbing and utterly powerful. She delivers on every scene with outstanding emotion. John Malkovich also, no surprise, is amazing in this movie, it shows even with a supporting role Malkovich is truly one of the greatest actors out there. There is a phenomenal performance from Jason Butler Harner who plays a child murderer and comes across very disturbing a freighting as he is always smiling. The scenes with him are without a doubt the most harrowing and memorable in the movie.

Changeling keeps the quality of acting and storytelling right the way through till the end credits. Eastwood is a pro when it comes to conveying character's emotion on-screen to connect to the audience, and Changeling is no exception. Jolie is the key reason what makes this film absolutely brilliant and there is true beauty to Jolie's work here. You simply forget you are watching an actress playing a role, she is amazingly convincing as this tormented mother.

Changeling is arguably not juts Jolie's best film, but also Eastwood's. This is shocking, emotional and very intense.