PRINTTake Two: Changeling
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
November 2, 2008 | 9:44 a.m. CST
Clint Eastwood directed films seem to be magnetized to accolades and success. Certainly the grizzled, grey-haired geezer is bound to stray from his constant path of acclaim, but that will have to wait until 2009. Building on his intricately woven string of long-standing directorial success, Eastwood’s latest offering Changeling is a captivating and compelling portrayal of a true story that rocked the foundations of the Los Angeles justice system in the late 1920s.
Upon returning home from work, Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) finds her son, Walter, to be missing, presumably kidnapped. In search of positive press in a time of hierarchal corruption in the department, the LAPD locates an orphan they can pass off as Walter and return him to Ms. Collins. Knowing clearly that this child is not her flesh and blood, Collins crusades to reopen her son’s case, as the LAPD maneuvers to silence her every move. Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich), a pastor whose life mission is exposing police corruption, comes to Collins’s aid and uses his radio program to rally the public and lay bare the situation.
Changeling is as much Jolie’s baby as it is Eastwood’s, as she delivers a fervent performance that elicits an immensely emotional response. The storyline can appear rather dubious, but Jolie’s portrayal of Christine Collins gives you the genuine feeling a factual story should communicate. As the plot segues through its multiple fazes, Jolie rises to the occasion, channeling emotions of despondency, tenacity and pride, and setting the tone for her surrounding ensemble cast.
The only real concern for Changeling is its length. While the first two hours of the film fly by, the ending is extremely Lord of the Rings-esque, where those not familiar with the story view each of last four scenes as the potential finale. Despite this setback, Changeling certainly meets the expectations set forth by Eastwood’s track record. It might not soar to the heights of Mystic River, but it’s far too gripping to neglect.
Vox Rating:
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