‘Changeling’ is a Surprisingly Entertaining and Inspirational Tragedy
-----‘Changeling’ was not something I wanted to go see. The depressing true story of an outcome I already knew; I didn’t see this being anything more than a boring and tragic two hours. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of acting and general mood of the film.
-----‘Changeling’ takes place in 1928 Los Angeles. One day single mother Christine Collins comes home from work, her nine year old son nowhere to be seen. She immediately contacts the LAPD to conduct a search. After five months of waiting, the LAPD has found her son. Ecstatic she goes to meet him at the train station where he is being returned, only…it’s not her son. The Cops tell her she’s merely in shock, that this is definitely her son, but she won’t stop pushing the issue. That’s when things get really serious.
-----Angelina Jolie is nowhere to be seen. Instead, she is so spectacular in the lead role of Christine Collins, you’ll forget every other character she’s been and see only a worried mother from 1928. She does an amazing amount with what could be a one-note character. Her commanding lead is a beautiful example of her diversity, and will grab you in every scene. Neither melodramatic nor in constant tears for two hours, her optimistic determination make this tragic story an inspirational one for the ages. So heartfelt is her plea and motive that you can’t help but feel for her, and you’ll constantly cheer her along in the best performance from a leading actress this year.
-----The rest of the cast is also magnificent. Jeffrey Donovan is right at home as the frustrated Captain J.J. Jones. His inability to understand and ultimate despise for what he feels a ridiculous claim by a disillusioned mother is authentic and relatable. In addition to the aforementioned we have John Malkovich in of the best roles he’s ever pulled off. Leaving his archetypical villain persona behind, he plays the understanding and just, Reverend Gustav A. Briegleb. Filled with a normality and decency scarcely seen from Malkovich characters, he inspires Christine Collins with his notion that the LAPD must be rid of this madness; if not for her son, for the ones that follow. His fiery and compassionate personality provides the film with a third perspective in one of the year’s best performances. Rounding out the primary cast we have a haunting performance from Jason Butler Harner as the sickening serial killer Gordon Stewart Northcott. His performance is so intense and woeful you begin to feel sorry for him at times. Then of course, you remember to hate him because he’s a serial killer. However, for the audience to even entertain the notion that this obviously guilty murderer is innocent, shows just how good of a job he did.
-----Though ‘Changeling’ is a true story, it offers many lessons other than the obvious. It’s in depth enough that you see all sides of and around the issue. With an amazing ability to create real characters that you really care about, the script is near flawless in presentation. It presents what could be a tiresome, depressing, and ultimately unworthy movie, and turns it into a page turner of a story. While it does have about 15 spots that feel like the ending (I was expectant of the credits after most of them), what follows the expected last scenes is continuously intriguing material.
-----The art direction is also done with superb detail. The late 20s and early 30s are presented with an authentic feeling, and a very detailed atmosphere. The costumes follow suit and the whole movie looks great. Not to mention a certain sepia hue being reminiscent in many of the scenes. It’s this accuracy and mood setting that put the nail in the coffin of this already grossly believable and enthralling true story.
-----People definitely need to give ‘Changeling’ a chance. While many, including myself, are often opposed to tragic true stories for entertainment, ‘Changeling’ is a fine exception to the typical standard. So authentic are everything from the performances to the costume design that you’ll be compelled and intrigued throughout the lengthy run time. While the story is no doubt tragic, Jolie’s inspiring performance provides a never-ending seed of hope in this story full of life, love, and loss. You won’t feel bummed or upset afterwards, but fulfilled. ‘Changeling’ is the epitome of a true-story period-drama done right.
