After a highly emotional turn as Mariane Pearl, wife of slain journalist Daniel Pearl, in last year's The Mighty Heart, Angelina Jolie was in high contention for an Oscar nod. However, must to everyone's dismay, the actress was left off of the ballot, serving up one of the greatest 'snub' controversies of the year. Now, in an effort to prove the voters wrong, Jolie takes on another daunting task as she plays Christine Collins in Cline Eastwood's dark and gloomy Changeling.
Set in 1928 Los Angeles, the film tells the story of Christine Collins, a single mother who arrives home one day to discover that her young son, Walter, is gone. After reporting him missing, Collins waits five months before hearing word that her prayers had been answered and Walter was found in Illinois. But, in a tragic turn of events, the boy who steps off the train is not Christine's son. Constantly refuting Christine's assessment; the L.A. police force worry that one of their few heroic accomplishments will be overturned and result in public ridicule. However, Reverend Gustav Briegieb aligns with the distraught mother, using her situation to expose the corruption that has tainted the L.A. police and government for years.
While the story is set to be an emotional roller coaster for all those watching, no one can prepare you for the heartfelt sentiment and overwhelming support that you unknowingly feel for Jolie's Collins. The simple event is excessively traumatic; yet you witness the reopening of the wound, time and time again, until you yourself can't bear to see it any longer. The mother goes through hell, and yet, each and every day, she continues to see hope at the end of the tunnel.
Nevertheless, the story is nothing more than a moving tale of a woman's unwillingness to give up. Which makes Jolie's expected, though righteously poignant performance the true spark that helps give the film its undeniable edge. In contrast to many of her previous showings, this role isn't an up close and personal performance. Instead, Jolie relies on her killer instincts, gracing the screen with her immaculate beauty, and combating that presence with a unique and at times serene delivery. Combined, the two forces blend smoothly, creating a dynamic character that is easily relatable.
However, Jolie doesn't do it all herself. Instead, she gets the compliment of a strong supporting cast; led by John Malkovich as the Reverend Gustav Briegieb. Forced to represent the good that lies deep within every man, Malkovich serves a Collins' lone confidant and most trusted friend. His advice is taken strongly as his presence helps to advance the struggles against the corrupt law-enforcement officers that plague the L.A.P.D.
But more than his individual performance, I was most attracted to Malkovich's ability to work with Jolie. Often required to take the back seat during heavily educed scenes, the 'good' man settles in the background, venturing forward when called upon, but otherwise serving as an optional go-to rather than a central figure. He is there when needed; yet somehow, he never clutters the screen or vies for the spotlight.
Yet none of this would be possible without the beautiful work of director Clint Eastwood. Poised with the ability to capture the true essence of a story within a two hour span, Eastwood presents one of his best pieces of work to date with Changeling. And though he is a stern man who is credited with some of Hollywood's most manly pictures; he is still able to dig deep within the soul and bring forth the love of a mother and her unwillingness to give up. His use of color is brilliant in relation to the story; bringing out the importance of the time and place in which the events are taking place. The result is truly breathtaking as you find yourself deep within the story; hoping for a happy ending to a horrible set of events.
