Frame Rate

Ever since Changeling was released last fall, I have wanted to see the film, for a couple of reasons:

1. The premise sounded intriguing
2. Clint Eastwood films always deliver substance - a strong story, wonderful performances, and emotional themes.

I finally had the chance to see the film a couple of weeks ago and found that the story connected on a number of levels. Changeling tells the true story of Christine Collins - a single mother living in LA in the late 1920s, whose only son suddenly disappears. What follows is an expose of corruption within the LA police force and the strong-willed determination of Christine to find the truth about her son.

The driving force behind the film is Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Christine Collins. Critics of the film have argued that Jolie does a disservice to the actual Christine Collins by playing some scenes with intense emotion and angry outbursts. Critics say that the real Mrs. Collins was calm, collected, and strong. However, I found nothing in Jolie’s performance that gave any hint that this woman was weak or submissive. I became thoroughly invested in her plight and cheered her on when she stood up to an authoritative system that saw women as hysterical and vulnerable.

In filmmaking, a balance must be maintained between developing character and moving the story forward. If you ignore the story for the sake of character, the film can become a meandering mess with no direction. If you ignore character and go for the story, the movie will disconnect itself from the audience and no one will be interested in what happens to the characters. Eastwood walks this line perfectly in Changeling. He knows when to slow down and take the time to explore Christine’s character, and he knows when to ramp up the story and hold the audience’s interest. 

Once again, Clint Eastwood delivers a strong, emotional film that delves deep into the human condition of pain and loss. The more I see from this director, the more I am engaged and inspired.

8 1/2 out of 10