The Clint Eastwood directed Changeling is one of the best films of the year. I say this without any hesitations or reservations. It chronicles a tragic event that occurred in Los Angeles in the late 1920s and one that brought about major changes in the practices of the L.A.P.D. It is based on the true story of Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) and her battle with the L.A.P.D. over her missing son. Collins' son disappears one afternoon prompting her to call the police who inform her that she must wait 24 hours before a case can be made (how things have changed.) Months later, the police say that they have found her son in Illinois, but she claims that the boy they bring back to her is not her son. This sparks a battle between Collins, who wants her real son back, and the L.A.P.D., who are trying to save face instead admitting they made a mistake.
This movie does everything right. All of the performances are perfectly on point. Angelina Jolie does not merely play a despairing mother, but embodies one. We feel her anger, her hurt, her desperation, and we have complete sympathy for her throughout the movie. But her character is not just a despairing and emotionally distraught mother. She is also a strong advocate for what is right and just. Just as she instills this in her son, it has been instilled in her: "I told my son that you should never start fights, but you do finish them."
The supporting cast members deliver powerful and convincing performances as well. John Malkovich is electrifying, as always, as the Rev. Briegleb, a man dedicated to exposing the corruption of the L.A.P.D. Jeffery Donovan and Colm Feore provide admirably despicable police officials. And the child actors show surprising maturity in some demanding roles.
It is Clint Eastwood, however, that takes center stage in this film. He shows us why he was deserving of the Oscars he has received thus far and why he will surely have some coming his way in the future. One of Eastwood's greatest gifts is his ability to create an encompassing atmosphere in his films. He does a spectacular job of re-creating Los Angeles in the 1920s. As you're watching the film, you feel as if you have stepped back in time. From the clothes to the cars, everything fits perfectly. The one aspect that stood out to me is how much slower the world was then. Today, we are so used to the hustle and bustle of busy city streets and of being afraid of missing out on something if we're not moving at full speed wherever we go. Eastwood is able to show us how much slower and calmer things were in the late '20s. You feel as if you have really stepped back in time 80 years.
Another trend I have noticed about Eastwood, having seen Million Dollar Baby and now Changeling, is a slight film noir feel to his films. In Million Dollar Baby, there are times when you can't tell if the movie has switched to black and white or is still in color. It does not distract or seem out of place, but rather enhances the mood and feel of the scenes. I found the same affect in Changeling. In the opening shot of the movie, I felt like my eyes were playing tricks on me. It seemed as if the initial shot was in black and white and color was gradually added piece by piece; in articles of clothing or street signs. The subtle music (by Eastwood himself) in the background also adds to the noir feel of the film. The whole atmosphere seems to evoke some of the feelings from the 1940s detective crime dramas.
Changeling is one of the definite must-see films of the year. It evokes strong emotional feelings from its audience and is able to invest us in the lives of its characters. I am giving Changeling my first four star rating. I predict Oscar nominations for Jolie, Eastwood, and a nomination for Best Picture. Go see this movie. It's worth your time.
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