CHANGELING REVIEW (ON DVD)
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Changeling
Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Angelina Jolie, John Malcovich
Rating: 4/5
Changeling is the work of movie heavyweight Clint Eastwood. It stars Angelina in her finest role since Girl Interrupted and adapts a true story about a mother and a son thatis kidnapped then returned however the boy who came home was not her son.
This period piece also features a standout performance from the very talented John Malcovich as Rev. Gustav Briegleb, the Catholic priest with great influence on the community through his church and his radio program where he vents his disgust at the local lawn enforcement and the way they police the town.
When he hears the plight of Christine Collins (Jolie) he latches on to the story and milks her plight as a fodder for his assault on the shameful corruption of the police.
To me it had the feel of Shawshank Redemption. I am not sure if it was just the time period or the flashes of prison setting ,but this is in no way a criticism of the film.
This movie effortlessly transports you back in time and you are comfortably nestled in the heart of Ms Collins dilemma. It has all the hallmarks of Eastwood handy work and shows that his success with Flags Of Our Fathers, Million Dollar Baby and Letters from Iwojima were no fluke.
You even feel sympathy for the man accused of stealing the boy which is not an easy task. His characterisation in the final moments of his life are quite raw and that is something to be commended for.
Eastwood has cemented himself as an all-rounded in the world of movie making. His range as an actor is complimented by his skill as Direcor, Producer, and Composer and if you listen carefully to the end of Gran Torino- musician.
The soundtrack, particularly the opening title, struck an emotive chord with me with its ability to convey a sombre and sympathetic mood throughout the movie.
Having only been privy to new-school Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby and beyond) I would safle say that Changeling and the aforementioned Gran Torino stand as his best works and if this is the calibre of his behind camera magic, we look set to be entertained once again in the up coming Nelson Mandela biopic starring Morgan Freeman in the titular role in the very near future.
Trivia: Angelina Jolie in no way physically resembles the real life Christine Collins. Eastwood just thought the role would suit her and had notworked with her before so just took the opportunity to do so.
