Clint Eastwood did a hell of a job with Million Dollar Baby to the point that it won the Oscar for best picture in 2005. That movie won 4 Oscars total that year. I couldn’t help but reflect on that movie as I watched this one. Million Dollar Baby was a special film and this one is following in its footsteps. What makes this one extra special is that it is based on a true story, and what a powerful story it is. It is powerfully done too, every aspect: the cinematography, the script and language, the sets, the buildings, the vehicles and means of transportation, the costumes, and even the makeup add to the quality of the production. Add to that the superior performances by Angelina Jolie in the lead role, John Malkovich, and most of the cast plus incredible drama and you’ve got an emotionally stirring motion picture that I’d be surprised if it doesn’t get nominated for something.
The city of L.A. in 1928 is magically recreated and very well represented in this movie. It still amazes me how moviemakers are able to take us on a trip in a time machine. It really is impressive and I can’t describe it well enough to do it justice. You would have to see it for yourself to get the full effect. The most powerful aspect of this film is the story and its backdrop. Women were very much treated as second class citizens and even more so a single parent woman. Men ran the show and none more so than the LAPD. It is interesting to see how corruption in the police force has been around forever. These men with no conscience are capable of anything to cover up whatever it is they want to cover up no matter how unjust. Christine Collins does not conform and stands firm against those that intend to impose their will on her. Surrounded by sick, demented, inhumane people, and in the midst of utter hopelessness, she remains somewhat hopeful and with the help of Rev. Gustav Briegleb (Malkovich) she wins at least some of her battles.
You might not recognize Angelina in this role other than her appearance. I’ve never seen her play such a timid character, still firm but timid. Is it Oscar caliber? For the moment, sure, but I’m not sure if it will make it to next February. John might get a nod from the golden statue too and it would not surprise me. Other mentionable performances were turned in by Jeffrey Donovan as Capt. J. J. Jones and Colm Feore as Chief James E. Davis both of which were characters that you love to hate. You could cut their hypocrisy and apathy with a knife. This movie so vividly depicts the social condition of the time as seen in a man’s place and woman’s place in society, the heavy corruption in the very force that is supposed to protect citizens from it, and the disturbed people capable of such heinous crimes. We think things are bad today, but it’s been around for such a long time. It really is nothing new, just a different era. There is no question that Clint Eastwood is the real deal and once again he masterfully portrays a touching story on the big screen.
Review By Cine Marcos
