A powerful movie

Rating: 10/10 (1 March 2009)

The sad thing is that writers never get enough credit for their role in a movie. If it weren't for the writer, actors and directors would be standing about waiting for divine inspiration as to what to do.
This movie was written by J. Michael Strazcynski, best known as the writer/producer of the Sci-Fi series Babylon 5. YOu can see a few echoes of dialog he used in B5, such as when Angelina's character announces "Never start a fight, but always finish one."
This is not easy material to watch. A child vanishes, and an inept LAPD returns the wrong child. Rather than just admit their mistake, they commit the mother to an insane asylum where she is tortured in an attempt to get her to recant her complaint. Sadly, this is a true story, and for those nostalgic about the "good old days", they weren't nearly as good as we like to think they were. even though she prevails in her quest to right the wrong the LAPD did, she still doesn't find her son.
The film does a fine job of recreating 1928 Los Angeles, from the chaotic switchboard room to the streets to the skyline.
JMS has always like writing strong female characters, and he doesn't disappoint here. Jolie's solid performance in this film erases the fluffy nonsense most of her career is comprised of. John Malkovich is strong in a role as a crusading clergyman. (A positive portrayal of the Clergy in Hollywood. Who would have thought so?)