Changeling

'Changeling' is a drama based on the true story of a woman's struggle to discover the fate of her missing son. This film has Oscar woven very deeply into its being. It is directed by Clint Eastwood. The Christine Collins story is one everyone can empathise with. The film is set in Depression era Los Angeles. The 30s has a special appeal for audiences. The cities all teem with promise and exuberance, but the seedy underbelly is pulling the well meaning, well to do folk into the mire. Oh, it's got so much to offer,that thirties city. The visual elegance of the world is captivating in its understated beauty. Oh, it may have been reserved, but wasn't it so classy? And of course, life was real in the thrities.In the 30s there's a special place called the post office, and the bank, and the store, where actual life, not virtual life, happens. It's so wonderful. It's a wonderful life you might say. Wonderful indeed. Wondeful enough so that the winner for 'Best Picture' is.... 30s film!
Not yet convinced of the film's Oscar credentials? Well how about this then? The film is based on a true story. Heh? Tissues are the order of the day, as we witness the main character being broken again and again and again. Her abusers are evil policemen and Nazis in the mental hospital. Jolie tears up the whole time. Yes, it's a genuine tearjerker. Now will you give us the golden statue? Please?
This story took place seventy years ago. So we are left with the question of whether or not it is relevant to today. The story of the parent's struggle to find their child is undoubtedly still relevant. The media coverage of the Madeleine McCann story illustrates this. But whereas the McCann's standard of parenting was scrutinised for leaving their child alone, Collins' was not. Is this because children are more visible these days? Who knows. But this film dosen't scrutinise the crucial initial mistake that Collins made, that is, leaving her child alone for a day.
As for the issue of institutional attrocities, one can think of many contemporary examples where a western government has perpetrated injustices. It's always going on.
This story is tragic on several levels. It's quite touching and disturbing. Jolie is consistent as a study in trauma. John Malkovivh delivers a characteristically turbo charged portrayal of an evangelical. His ability to deliver a ferocious and withering critique of something or other is an impressive feat. We have become used to it, but it should not be taken for granted. His somewhat effete portayal of everyday interaction remains oddly charming, but still odd. The themes of the Christine Collins story remain pertinent to our lives.But it's not the beggining and end of the story by a long way. And this picture stinks of Oscars.