Her Search Continues...

Rating: Null/10 (7 March 2009)

It is no unknown statement that Clint Eastwood is both a versatile actor and director. With 'Changeling' he takes the director's chair again and tells the harrowing story of a single mother desperately in search of her missing son followed by a wrongful accusation by a corrupt system and a lawsuit while her son still remains gone. The film is set in the 1920s-1930s. Eastwood's attention to detail of that time period is noticeable. The sets look real and the costumes are well designed. The makeup department does a good job too.
I only thought the language slightly felt more of the current time than of then but otherwise the writing is fine. Given the different themes, 'Changeling' could have easily been a mess but the story unfolds smoothly and the issues are well tackled. I particularly liked the ending which avoids the usual cliché but at the same time stays hopeful of the protagonist's future.
Given his strong films, especially of the last 10 years, Eastwood has managed to extract some of the best performances of his actors. Now it's Angelina Jolie's turn and this woman is a knockout. Her acting could have easily ended up whiny and preachy but Jolie stays restrained as she wonderfully displays Christine's dignity, courage and determination and is only explosive in one scene that required it. It is only occasionally that we get to see her do something of note because her glamorous image seems to overshadow her acting abilities but it is good to see that she is becoming more picky (last year she did an equally convincing job in 'A Mighty Heart'). John Malkovich too stands in a supporting role as the supportive minister who helps Christine through her ordeal while the rest of the cast are competent.
'Changeling' is an engaging story of a mother in search of justice and her lost son. Unlike most of Eastwood's other films, 'Changeling' is disturbing. There are some gory scenes of murder. Even though they are mostly suggestive, it leaves a chill down the spine. The movie also enlightens about the legal system and how easy it was for the authority to get away with injustice. This is a must see for Eastwood fans but also for those who are interested in 'a different kind' of period piece and a gripping story.