Changeling Press Screening

          So, last night, instead of going to lab like a good RTF 366K student, I was invited to attend a press screening of Clint Eastwood's new film, Changeling. It's not a documentary, as you can probably tell by the picture of Angeline Jolie, but I thought I should blog about it anyway, as I might get to interview someone involved with the film. Eastwood? Jolie? The douchebag cop?

          Anyway, the film is based on the true story of the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders, which you can read about on Wikipedia if you'd like - I don't want to spoil too much of the film. After Christine Collins' son, Walter, goes missing in 1928, she files a missing child report with the LAPD, which was, at the time, facing much ridicule from LA citizens for its corruption and abuse of power. After a five month investigation into Walter Collins' disappearance, the LAPD miraculously brings a child back - the wrong child. They coerce Christine into telling the press that the investigation was a success, but, of course, she won't stay quiet for long. Along with the help of a local pastor, played by the ever-yelling John Malkovich, Christine begins to unveil the LAPD's fraud and corruption. In a landmark case which is depicted at the end of the film...well, you guys will have to read about it or go see the movie to find out.

          The acting in the film is pretty solid, though Jolie does little more than cry the entire film. John Malkovich is ridiculous as always, delivering each line, as my girlfriend puts it, as if he's above all the dialogue that's ever been written for him. Jeffrey Donovan is wonderful as the bad guy Captain Jones, and Jason Butler Harner is creepy beyond belief as the kid-killer Gordon Northcott. Eastwood's style remains intact, even after all of his fantastic films - Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven - although he seem to have overlooked some minor details in his film. Like, for example, the fact that you can totally see Angelina Jolie's tattoos several times in the film under layers of makeup. Come on, Clint...we're not stupid. But seriously, the lighting design and editing style is pretty interesting throughout the film, and Eastwood's color scheme is wonderful. There's something about a really drab grayscale that just makes a 1930s period piece pop. Am I right, or am I right?