Changeling

Su and I had some Odeon vouchers to be used up by the end of the year, so last night we took advantage of the ready made babysitting facility at Granny's house and went to see Changeling.
This Clint Eastwood directed film tells the true story of a single mother, Christine Collins, whose son goes missing one day. Several months later the LAPD produce a boy who claims to be her son, but she knows that it is not him. What ensues is stranger than fiction, and all the more disturbing because you know that it's true. A gripping tale of police corruption, the disempowerment of women, serial killing, and a mother's detemination. The film is like a cross between L.A. Confidential, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and Silence of the Lambs. Angelina Jolie's performace is amazing, and she must surely be in line for the Best Actress oscar. John Malkovich also puts in an excellent supporting role as a Presbyterian minister who campaigns on behalf of Collins. Eastwood's direction is understated and allows the story to speak for itself, I was captivated right through to the end. Well worth a watch. See a trailer here

5/5