CHANGELING (B+)
I should have seen this film a long time ago. But I didn't. Just because Changeling is on DVD now doesn't mean that I can't tell you to go see it. However,the actual reason for the review is to post a remarkable picture of Angelina Jolie.
Changeling is a shocking true story adapted into a film, and is well written by J. Michael Straczynski. The whole movie is good dialogue and drawn out drama. If you sit til the end, it turns out pretty good. Angelina Jolie (Wanted) plays Christine Collins, a mother living with her son in Los Angeles in 1928. One day she has to leave her nine year old son at home while she goes off to work. Upon returning she realizes her son is gone. He is missing for 5 months until the LAPD discovers a boy who meets the Collins boy profile.
They bring in the missing boy claiming it is indeed Christine Collins son. Who knows her child better than a mother? No one. Christine knows that is not her boy, and the LAPD forcibly claims it is. This leads to a series of events that will in fact shock you. The way things were in the 1920's is scary...and this was before The Great Depression. That's all I will say, the rest is really pretty fascinating.
The best part of this film by far is Angelina Jolie. Not just because she is so hot (even for 1920's conservative dress), but because her acting is damn near perfect. I was moved by her tears, anger, frustration, and drive to find her boy. She was nominated for an Academy Award for this role, and quite frankly has my vote. Oh crap, she lost to Kate Winslet already. Well, she was amazing the entire film.
The film was directed by Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino). Eastwood worked with Director of Photography Tom Stern to create some truly remarkable looking scenes. The lighting in the film focuses on Jolie in the scenes and makes her emotions seem much more raw. This aspect contributes a lot to the film, and a huge reason why I liked it as much as I did. Even though this film is devoid of action, I still liked the visuals and the way all the scenes looked. Well done old man....errr Clint.
The supporting cast in this film was very strong as well. Headed by Teddy KGB, Eh...I mean John Malkovich (Rounders). He is a minster in the community, who helps Christine along the way to find her real son. Malkovich plays a strong role and adds a lot to the story. My favorite character in the film was Christine Collin's attorney played by Geoff Pierson (Unhappily Ever After, the show where he talks to that foul mouthed stuffed rabbit Mr. Floppy on the basement couch). Anyway, Pierson's character has a great screen presence and plays a ballin' out of control attorney.
Overall, I say see this film. If you are not a hardcore movie watcher then this film may have too much dialogue and be too long for you. If you appreciate stellar acting from one amazing goddess and a supporting cast that exemplifies her role, you will like it. Well written, well directed, and the acting is spoken for. Did I mention Angelina Jolie is in it?? See it.
*
