Wow, where to begin

Rating: Null/10 (20 June 2010)

The first 1/2 of the movie had me disturbed, frustrated, and agonizing for the protagonist. The fact the movie was based on a true story made it very troubling that this type of injustice and corruption could occur in a 'civilized' country during a 'civilized' time.
But when the courtroom scenes take over the film seems to lose itself a little and some of that tension that was built in the first half seems to subside.
it's not until one of the last scenes where that tension is brought back again.
Jolie's performance was excellent. She looks a little anorexic in this one but it suits the character well, perhaps an indicator of the horrible stress she had to go through in her ordeal with missing a child, being forced to adopt another one, and repeatedly being told she is wrong about her misgivings about the new child.
Malkovich is actually a minor character in this one and really doesn't have that much to do acting-wise. The serial killer on the other hand makes the most of his screen time and delivers a truly wicked and disturbing performance.
Another excellent film directed by Clint Eastwood. His choice of camera angles, lighting, and especially the initial farmyard scenes were masterfully done.
8/10