Eastwood’s Changeling (2008) portrayed the horrifying events which occurred in Los Angeles, 1928. Angelina Jolie’s character, Christine Collins and her eight year old son Walter live in a nice neighborhood. She’s a manager for the phone company and one evening when she returns home late, her son is missing.
It’s a compelling story for many reasons and while the last third of the film brings to light the Canadian ranch of the man who snatched Walter and other boys, I’m glad Clint Eastwood didn’t focus the film on that. Instead, he focused on Angelina Jolie’s role as an independent woman who stood up to the corrupted Captain of the LAPD. Aided by Presbyterian Pastor Gustav Briegleb, (John Malkovich), an activist used to exposing the ineptitude of the LAPD, he comes to her aid and gets her radio coverage. The disfranchisement (the police send Christine to an asylum to try to keep her silent) and “finding” her son and presenting him to Christine in front of a large media crowd is the craziest part of the film, for the boy found is not her son. Here’s where the title comes in. Did you get a chance to read yesterday’s post about changelings?
It is incredulous to think the replacement boy would pacify a mother whose child had been kidnapped. Writer J. Michael Straczynski (World War Z, Babylon 5) researched the events and created a credible script of corruption, deception, and abduction. Did they find the real Walter? I’m not telling.
The telephone operator was one of the only jobs open to women in the 1920s. Jolie roller-skates across the room from operator to operator and this touch is not only accurate of the job, it illustrates the early days of the public phone system when you asked your operator to patch your request through using a code of letters and numbers based on the neighborhood. Operators could listen in on your conversations, too. In rural areas, you knew her name and she knew the county gossip. The re-creation of downtown Los Angeles during the late 1920s is perfect. Angelina Jolie gives a fine performance in a multifaceted role. It’s one of Clint Eastwood’s best films, and one I highly recommend watching.
Cindy Bruchman 
Nice post. I like Clint Eastwood’s work, but couldn’t quite get into this film. The narrative seemed a bit too disjointed for me to get into, though I admired the direction Eastwood was going for.
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Yeah, the cinematography was strong. I loved the ending scene with 20s LA. The historical climate was great. I read he had to cut a lot, so maybe that’s why it seems disjointed.
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We’re in agreement, Cindy. An underrated film by Eastwood and performance by Jolie. Did you spot Angelina’s toast to Clint? Notice her hat tip near the end of the film.
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Sweet. Missed that! I liked Clint’s devotion to creating 20s LA. I read he grew up there and had fond memories of the rail cars and he wanted to be genuine. I loved the film.
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As a child, my grandmother use to take me downtown with her, on her bi-monthly trip to the doctor, on one of the last Red Cars running. Still a special memory.
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That’s awesome, Michael! 🙂
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Interesting. I haven’t seen this one, but you’ve piqued my interest. Thanks for the recommendation.
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My pleasure. Hard to believe the events were true. I didn’t want to give too much away. There’s a lot packed into the film. I’d be interested in hearing how you felt about it. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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When I get to it, I will let you know. 🙂
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Geez, i can’t remember if I saw this one. sounds so familiar!
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Seems like a revisit is in order! 😉
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I’m with you on this one Cindy. This is one of my favourite recentish Clint films.
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HI, glad you stopped by! His use of shadows at the Canadian ranch to imply what was going on rather than showing it was one way I appreciated his cinematography. It’s an authentic period film.
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Quality review. I have actually never heard of this film, sounds promising.
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Thanks, Chris. It creates the historical climate of 20s era brilliantly. The asylum scenes are powerful as well as when the police finally find the abdjuctor’s ranch. It’s a good one!
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Been meaning to check this one out for a while Cindy, looks like a great story. Nice write up.
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Thanks, Chris. I don’t think you would be disappointed. Too many good things going on….
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Great review Cindy. It’s been some time but I remember really liking it but then Eastwood always delivers solid work. Great job from Jolie too. It’s often forgotten that she actually can act.
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Certainly in this film. Thanks, Mark. I’ve been enjoying the DeNiro Blogathan and your posts are frequently interesting. 🙂
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Thank you Cindy. It’s nice to hear some positive feedback 🙂
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Never saw this movie – and vaguely recall it. It wasn’t in the theatres here very long. Apparently It didn’t appeal to people for some reason. ?? When I think of all the crap I watch, I’m not sure why I missed this.
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I think you might like it! Eastwood has a sensibility about him that lingers. The acting was fine. The storyline discomforting, but it ain’t crap! 🙂
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Hey … anything by Eastwood and starring Angie has to worth a boo !!!
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Reblogged this on Citizens, not serfs.
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