classicsoncall
Films like this, especially when based upon a true story, always manage to infuriate me for the corruption and injustice that exists with entities absolutely resolved to maintain their personal power and control over others. In this case, it's the Los Angeles Police Department that attempts to convince a woman that a young boy that's returned to her after being lost and missing for a number of months is her own son, even when all evidence points to the contrary. How do people like Captain Jones (Jeffrey Donovan), Chief Davis (Colm Feore) and psychiatric doctor Earl Tarr (Peter Gerety) look themselves in the mirror and sleep at night? That they would put this woman Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) through a literal hell on Earth is beyond despicable, and yet they hold positions of authority that one would least likely question as regards an emotionally overwrought woman that these monsters are trying to scam.I've only seen Angelina Jolie in a couple of other films, but she really established herself in this picture in my view. Her performance was extraordinary, I can only imagine what the real life Mrs. Collins must have felt like during this ordeal. The thing I couldn't understand was why child murderer Northcott (Jason Butler Harner) got a two year prison sentence before being executed. Like all cowards, he went out a lot like Jimmy Cagney did in "Angels With Dirty Faces", but in Cagney's case, he was doing it for his buddy Pat O'Brien, so one doesn't have the same reservations about his getting the death penalty. Northcott's was more humane than he afforded the kids he victimized.So Clint Eastwood as director scores another stunning film to his repertoire, amid a string of winners that included "Mystic River", "Million Dollar Baby" and "Gran Torino". This one didn't receive the same level of recognition, but don't let that deter you from seeing the picture. It's a well told story that will make your blood boil, and though it doesn't have an entirely happy ending, it may help you see victims of the justice system in an entirely new light.
dougdoepke
No need to recap the plot. The movie's a superbly woven screenplay that rivets interest for full two-hours plus. I've read accounts of Northcott's killings, which the screenplay follows factually, but in a very general sense. However, I wish I knew how many of the aspersions cast on the LAPD and city government are true. The script is pretty unsparing in it's portrayal of official misdeeds. So I'm really curious. Then there's that psychiatric hospital where if you're not unhinged going in you will be coming out. Apparently that's where the authorities sent people in need of help. Thus, thanks to officialdom, it seems Christine (Jolie) has no chance of either finding her boy or surviving the experience.As a result, what starts out as a missing boy mystery turns really into an expose of LA government and related institutions. That the two themes are interwoven so effectively is a real tribute to scenarist Straczynski.Also, it looks like producer Eastwood spared little expense recreating 20's fashions and street scenes. These help lend flavor to the proceedings. Then too, I really love the cloche hats the ladies wear. And check out all those black flivvers cruising around town. I guess only jokers went into the showroom asking for a black one. In terms of cast, wisely they are largely unknowns except for Jolie and Malkovich. As a result, we're not distracted by name players in supporting roles, which allows the storyline to remain uppermost. Also, actor Harner (Northcott) strongly resembles pictures I've seen of the real serial killer. Kudos to Jolie for a carefully calibrated turn without milking the part. Likely the temptation was there given the mother's emotional strain. And big time kudos to Eastwood for assembling a crew that turns difficult material into a compelling gem.
cac_70
Not a bad movie, but it isn't very well-directed. It assumes the mother is in a vacuum and that the whole "where is my son?!?" plea is just between her and the fake son. There's no family to back her up? No teachers that would back up her story that the impostor isn't her son, at the very beginning?!?!? No neighbors, no friends, no aunts, uncles, etc., etc., etc.?!I think Clint Eastwood is a great actor but his direction skills aren't very good when it comes to an important topic like police corruption.IMDb is apparently being run by dumb people/kids, and is saying the review above is not long enough. How stupid. So here it goes again:Not a bad movie, but it isn't very well-directed. It assumes the mother is in a vacuum and that the whole "where is my son?!?" plea is just between her and the fake son. There's no family to back her up? No teachers that would back up her story that the impostor isn't her son? No neighbors, no friends, no aunts, uncles, etc., etc., etc.? I think Clint Eastwood is a great actor but his direction skills aren't very good when it comes to an important topic like police corruption.
Michael J Lawrence
Clint Eastwood has produced some brilliant work as a director. Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby come to mind.But, as with Flags of Our Fathers, he here demonstrates a penchant for going over the top.There were times I felt like I was watching a dystopian commentary on systemic corruption at the hands of the new world order rather than a period piece revolving around a humanly dramatic mystery.Much of the acting is equally excessive as Clint lingers to jab a knife into our hearts in a way that is meant to be grueling but is surprisingly shallow.Such are the consequences of the risks inherent in going deep with dramatic material. The effort is compelling even if the result is lacking in grace.Part of the problem is the complexity of the material, which seems to drift between two different story lines, both of which are given equal weight even though they are barely related, as if one is meant to throw us off the trail of the other - which results in cheaply woven mystery and a plot that loses its way.
AD
