On C List of Movie Reviews
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Changeling (2008)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
10/25
10/25:
Because of the title, Changeling isn't a remake of the George C. Scott classic picture.
Angelina Jolie isn't a credible actress and therefore shouldn't have been in the film. I would've gone for
Hilary Swank. The other one thinks she can survive the role by wearing that ridiculous hat and the
heavy red lipstick and reviving some crap from Girl, Interrupted.
I'm surprised that Clint Eastwood chose to focus on cinematography over everything else. Why? He's better at
telling stories. Once that's firmly established, the movie will take care of itself. Hence, I got distracted
by the perfect, clean image of the 1920's. In fact, it has become a common theme due to the rise of sharp
and defined visual technology, but that's not how everything looked back then.
Among the most important characters is Sanford Clark. Yet the kid fucked it up. Why? He's a bad actor.
Plus, a lot of details are left out including the sexual abuse and the involvement of the killer's mother.
What made Helter Skelter so memorable, especially in the book, was the
explanation of how the Family came to be, where Charles Manson fit in the grand scheme of things, and the
philosophy behind the killings. As Paul Watkins, Jason Ronard perfectly captured the essence, making it the
most defining role of anyone's.
Although the plot is interesting and the cast fits the period, Changeling is too long and tries too
hard in little things. For example, the phrase "serial killer" wasn't coined until the 70's. Why the incessant
flashing bulbs for photography? Nobody needs that while the day is so bright; otherwise, the end result will
be overexposure. Electroshock therapy began in 1938. A "sandwich in the fridge"? Please...it was
called "icebox" back then.
All in all, If Clint Eastwood could make a few changes, Changeling would play better; otherwise, it's
Oscar bait primarily for Angelina Jolie.