MOVIE REVIEW - Changeling (2008)

Changeling is a terrific film, one of the best of the year. Angelina stars in this true story from the 20's/30's as a mother whose son goes missing, and her dedicated search for him amid police corruption. Angelina is a great actress; and she does fine here, but she didn't quite earn Oscar nod status - somehow, she seemed more into her outfits and her efforts at sullenness than into bringing the appropriate depth to the role (she lost me with her multiple cries, "Where is my son??!!?? Where is my son??!!??"). But the story and direction - wow - they definitely merit Oscar consideration. The police find a lost boy who claims to be Angelina's missing kid; but upon meeting him, she knows it is not. The police (including doctors and other "experts") insist that it is her kid, and that she's shunning her motherly responsibilities. But the viewers are quickly convinced that Angelina is right, and she continues her search, while still taking care of (if not caring for) the boy. As some of the police (an excellent Michael Kelly) gets closer to the truth of her (and others') son's abductions, the story moves quickly into the horrific - a serial killer story too awful to imagine (and yes, this is a well-researched true story). Amy Ryan is incredible (as usual) as a mental patient. Jeffrey Donavan adequately moves from Burn Notice to the big screen as Angelina's primary police contact. John Malkovich is a little unsettling as a preacher after the dirty cops, but he does a good job - it's just bizarre seeing him in this role. Clint's direction is impeccable - he should get yet another nomination. I love this story, even as it is incredibly difficult and rewarding to watch.