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Clint Eastwood’s directorial talent combined with Angelina Jolie’s acting skill make “Changeling” an engaging film about police corruption, gender feuds, murder, psychological torture and betrayal.
Christine Collins (Jolie) comes home from work in March of 1928 to find her son, Walter, has gone missing. Weeks pass and the Los Angeles Police Department find the missing boy and return him to his mother.
Not so fast .
Collins claims this child is not her son, that the police are making a huge mistake. The plot soars into a world of corruption and political agendas after Jolie’s character takes a firm stand that she is being deceived.
As the tale unravels, it turns into much more than the initial premise. It brings forth subplots and problems we still face in society today. “Changeling” has a dark, gloomy feel, but at the same time, themes of hope, determination and prosperity shine through.
Jolie is amazing as a grieving mother. She acts with conviction and emotion and is extremely believable. Her character is complex and smart and should be recognized come award season. Alongside Jolie are strong performances by John Malkovich, a minister determined to expose police corruption, and Jeffrey Donovan, a captain in the LAPD.
The real magic happens behind the camera with Eastwood. He paces the film with such grace and intensity. The muted, dull color palette of the film evokes a sense that justice and equality have been equally suppressed from dreary 1930s Los Angeles. Eastwood again proves he is a premier director in the film industry.
Collins’ search for truth, justice, peace and closure are portrayed with such power that it will be hard for audiences to not be completely immersed in this film.
Grade: A
Bangor Daily News