Outstanding

Rating: 8/10 (27 November 2008)

Clint Eastwood's impact on this century has been a wholly deserved one. In his practiced and revised methods, love of cinema and wisdom of audience satisfaction that it's no surprise that 3 of his films in the last 5 years have had Best Picture nominations, with all of them only subtly being Oscar bait. Changeling is right at this standard and possibly his finest film since Unforgiven. Through the use of weaving different tones and genres, he's developed a imposing achievement not just for himself but for mainstream cinema as a whole. It takes a lot of its influence from classic film, only in style and not in content, of which the true story is handled with care and taken to cinematic levels – though the influence is presented as homages. I'm completely bewildered as to why this is no longer popularly considered in this years Oscar race as it suits their patterns and has classic, iconic material.
Through precise pacing, it remains compelling throughout all the acts, that once a subplot is nearing the end it starts another so the film doesn't drag. It's a film that has completely grasped its scale so it's constantly and consistently intimate and involving whenever a new feature is added. The most fascinating detail I found in the presentation is how the characters are always most conscious of the public's reactions, so much so that they motivate their own actions. However the public are rarely viewed – except during protests, when none of them are given the individual or unbiased opinion. This allows Eastwood the opportunity to use the film's audience as this public, with his knowledge of convention in who they would support within the film; with Jolie subtly viewed as a heroin (despite none of her actions, besides her strength, are specifically 'heroic') and the police viewed as villainous – which is what Jolie's character discovers. With these perspectives not shoved down the audience's throat, it adds to the involvement and overall enjoyment without any use of manipulation. The pivotal theme is definitely mixing morality with justice, which leaves us as an audience to judge the rational actions towards this.
Now, of course, the absolute focus and anticipation for the film was Angelina Jolie's performance. She did not disappoint. She amazed. It was a passionate performance in which she completely disappeared into. I could feel her completion during her routine in the first 10 minutes of introduction with her child. I could feel her emptiness during the desperate struggle for mentality during the time without her son. I could feel her relief in the brief time she thought are son had been brought back. I could feel the doubt and denial in her mind when she knew it wasn't her son. I could feel the desperation and frustration during her fight with the police. And I could feel her pain when she was losing. This amount of suffering did not feel overwhelming enough to be ridiculous. She does not glamorise the role nor begs for recognition and praise in her intense portrayal, which she has obviously used the thought of her own children to bring it to heart and make every scene with her in poignant. One of the most pleasant surprises of the film was Jason Butler Harner's edgy performance of the deranged murderer, who's edgy performance challenged Jolie despite his limited screen time. John Malkovich was natural in his role though didn't feel that significant. I respect that it's really only Malkovich and Jolie who are Hollywood actors and Eastwood's only device of gathering an audience. This film does not flash stars.
The technical aspects also stand out, creating a pleasant ambiance for the film to settle in. With images blending into each other pleasantly, without the contrast of modern day technology. With this delicacy in the detail it adds the effect of the era and makes it utterly cinematic. The score fits in nicely with a tone that suits the drama of the events. However my main problems with the film as a whole is that it is often too melodramatic (the last line being "I now have something I never had before last night... hope"). Also the themes are elaborated too much, leaving limited interpretation that anyone could inform to someone else. Despite these, they don't affect my enjoyment and I'd happily label this film as outstanding.
8/10