Review: Changeling (15)
By Kim FrancisDecember 09, 2008
Battle for truth in an evil world
Angelina Jolie has earned herself plenty of Oscar whispers with this dramatic tale set in 1920s Los Angeles.
Directed by Clint Eastwood, Changeling is the true story of a desperate mother’s fight against the Los Angeles police department when her son goes missing.
Christine (Jolie) should be relieved when her boy is recovered and returned to her a few months later – but, as she soon realises, the boy is not her son.
However Captain JJ Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) and his LAPD colleagues attempt to convince her otherwise – and as the reputation of the police department is already publicly tarnished, they then resort to calling Christine’s sanity into question.
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However Christine is not dissuaded in her pursuit of the truth and enlists the help of the influential Rev Briegleb (John Malkovich) and puts together a case that sees justice done in a tense courtroom climax – even though it may already be too late to save her son.
Changeling has won over the critics not only thanks to Jolie’s excellent portrayal of a fragile mother, yet strong crusader of the truth, but also Eastwood’s direction.
The story is as much about a mother’s anguish as it is about the gritty underbelly of LA and corruption of the powers-that-be.
A gripping must-see that breaks the mould with a winning combination of well-crafted direction and the cast’s sensitive performances.
We asked five members of the public what they thought of Changeling,
Ken Love, aged 39, from Glasgow
“It’s a fantastic movie. I like that it is based on a true story and Angelina Jolie’s acting was fantastic.”
Paul Higginson, aged 37, from Shinfield
“It’s a true story and it was very powerful. I thought it was gripping.”
Jenny Goddard, aged 35, from Shinfield
“It is a very interesting story. There is no action, but the story holds you.”
Jenny Fiander, aged 25, from Henley
“It was very long and it was quite sad. It brought a tear to my eye.”
Joshua Hunter, aged 31, from Harpsden
“I thought it was good. I wish it had had a better ending.”
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