Last night I saw the Changeling and it caused me to pick up my reviewer’s pen again after a long time of no inspiration. It was directed by Clint Eastwood, 78, and has several A-List actors the most memorable for me being: John Malkovich as Rev. Gustav Briegleb, and Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins. It also includes producer credits for Ron Howard. How can you miss with those 4 involved right? Yes, indeed it doesn’t miss. The Changeling is a story about justice amid corruption and left me feeling better about society and a little worse about serial killers out there.
The story takes place in the 1920’s in Southern California. Many settings are places around where I have grown up and now live. I was especially shocked to hear “Hesperia” mentioned since that is a hidden horse property city close to me in the High Desert. Apparently there was a case that took place in Los Angeles at that time and the story sort of revolves around that case. I’ve held back on the plot details because part of the enjoyment of this movie is letting it unfold. The retro 1920’s costumery and cars, buildings, etc. is breathtaking on its own. Everything from Angelina Jolie’s hat to the farmhouse sinks at the killer’s ranch is tailored suited to the time and theme of the movie.
Jolie is a great actress and her role in this movie is no deviation from that. But Malkovich is by far the screen stealer. Unfortunately, he has a relatively small role in comparison. As I watched Malkovich play the reverend that speaks out against the corrupt police, I felt as if I was watching a trusted friend. He is such an eerie guy that I wondered at first if he could pull off that character. By the end of the movie I was giving him 2 thumbs up.
This movie is about society, injustice, faith, and psycho wards. Sounds like the stuff I write about here every day. I will tell you that this movie is a postcard straight out of the funny farm, speaking for all of us who remain here, baffled by the world and at the same time in wonder of it.
I recommend this movie whole-heartedly but with a caveat: There are graphic refernces to violence and a few short scenes that bear those out. If you can just accept those as necessary to tell the story, the rest of it with have you marveling.
More pictures, Movies Stats, and more available at IMDB.
5 Comments
It seems to me that I may have seen a preview for this, but I’m not sure…at any rate, with those four all contributing, it can’t be half bad. Given that and you’re recommendation, I might have to check this out if I ever get the time.
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I’ve been anxious to see this, but I hate movie theaters so I always wait ’til they are released on DVD and Blu-Ray to watch movies. I can’t stand the Saw and Texas CHain saw maassacre type movies, but otherwise I don’t mind violence in a movie if it’s part of the storyline. Most of the movies that I really like have a considerable mount of violence in them for some reason…LOL Me and criminals, you know how it goes.
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Right now with what’s out I’d say it’s a good option.
Based on your police background, this movie won’t be a problem for you. Still, there’ll be times you might want to walk the hall like I did ;)
I have to admit I am not a big fan of Jolie, but this film does look exceptionally good. But with Ron Howard directing I would expect nothing less.
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