Reviews > Changeling

Christine Collins, a single mother who lost her son & then was victimized by the police, reopens a sore wound in the chronicle of LA. Officials affirmed the case closed when they gave Collins an imposter child. When Christine complained at first she was ignored & then thrown in a mental institution. With the help of a brave minister the case gains national attention resulting in suspension or dismissal of several civic figures.
The real - life crime becomes comparable to a Mickey Spillane novel, one filled with crooked cops, pyscho killers, & hapless innocents. Even tempered from the start it evolves into somewhat a horror film then into a courtroom drama each part a little more implausable, a little less gratyfing. The one thing that remains the same is Angelina Jolie who manages to cry out every tear from her eyes throughout the whole film. It is a time period peice that takes place in 1928 Jolie’s costumes are a little unflattering & her acting seems forced at times in this. The relationship between Collins & her nine year old son seems cool, but at times distant even when her son goes missing her demeaner is calm & reserved.
For most of the movie Clint Eastwood maintains the straight from the hip style that has become his signature tradmark. adopting an objective viewpoint but also collaborating cinematic devices. But unfortunetly I feel he gets to confined in the somewhat facts of the case which can seem absurd to today’s beliefs. The thin plot of the Changeling doesn’t make a good argument against injustices in the legal system rather the capabilities of a immoral cop. Despite all the talent here the Changeling comes off more of a period version of a Lifetime movie.

Neal Damiano
Film Journalist