The Changeling Movie Review
Can you say “Oscars!” The Changeling will definitely have multiple nominations and wins this year.
Set in 1928 Los Angeles, this true story takes you on a journey with Jolie’s character, Christine Collins. Upon returning home from work one Saturday evening, the single mother found an empty home, her son missing. Almost from the start of the movie, Christine experiences resistance from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
In this cross between L.A. Confidential and Girl Interrupted, The Changeling exploits the corruption of the LAPD at the height of Prohibition. As the months go by, Christine continuously pressures the LAPD to find her missing son. After a few months, the authorities find her son, or did they?
Swept up in the frenzy of the media reunion, Christine realizes the boy they have found is not her son. Being persuaded to keep the boy, as she is “clearly confused,” Christine agrees to take the boy home. Unfortunately, Christine only becomes more certain that this boy is not her son.
The more Christine attempts to get the LAPD to acknowledge their mistake and continue their search for her son, the more she learns that the LAPD does not tolerate being challenged in any negative manner.
We are quickly introduced to John Malkovich’s character, Reverend Briegleb, who is on a personal mission to expose the corruption of the LAPD. He becomes Christine’s primary ally is her pursuit. The more persistent Christine becomes, the more anxious the LAPD are to silence her. Committed to a psychiatric institution on a Code 12, Christine learns of the plight of other women wronged by the LAPD.
Then, in an unexpected twist, we are introduced to another storyline: the story of Gordon Stewart Northcott. Is he involved in Walter’s disappearance? These interweaving storylines bring you from one climactic point to another. Your are taken on an emotional roller coaster. What happened to Walter? Who is the boy they found? What will happen to Christine? Will there be justice?
The Changeling is a must-see for 2008. From the exemplary acting to the screenplay to the set direction and cinematography, Clint Eastwood has done it again. He has created a masterpiece of epic proportions.
