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Changeling (film)

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Changeling
Directed byClint Eastwood
Written byJ. Michael Straczynski
Produced byClint Eastwood
Brian Grazer
Ron Howard
Robert Lorenz
StarringAngelina Jolie
John Malkovich
Geoff Pierson
Jeffrey Donovan
Jason Butler Harner
Colm Feore
Amy Ryan
Michael Kelly
CinematographyTom Stern
Edited byJoel Cox
Distributed byUniversal Studios
Release date
November 7 2008
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Changeling is an upcoming American period/thriller film set for release in 2008. Loosely based upon the real-life Wineville Chicken Murders, the film is set in the late 1920s and tells of a woman who comes to suspect that the son returned to her after a kidnapping is not her own. Changeling is directed by Clint Eastwood and is written by J. Michael Straczynski. The film is being produced by Imagine Entertainment and Malpaso Productions for Universal Studios. Ron Howard was originally slated to direct, but scheduling difficulties, and Universal's desire to fast track the project, led to his replacement by Eastwood.

Angelina Jolie stars in the lead role, with support from John Malkovich, Geoff Pierson, Jeffrey Donovan, Jason Butler Harner, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan and Michael Kelly. Principal photography began on October 15 2007 and was completed in December 2007. Changeling is scheduled for release in the United States on November 7 2008, and will premiere in competition at the 61st Cannes Film Festival in May 2008.

Premise

The film is set in 1920s Los Angeles and is based upon a real life kidnapping and murder case. When the son of Christine Collins (Jolie) is returned to her after being kidnapped, she soon comes to suspect that the child is not her own. After being vilified as an unfit mother, Christine must confront the city authorities and corruption in the Los Angeles Police Department in order to find out the truth. The real names of all the characters have been retained, though Eastwood requested that the words "based on a true story” be removed from the synopsis in the official studio press release, saying "The important thing […] is whether it’s a good story, and if it’s well told.”[1][2][3]

Production

The film is being made by Imagine Entertainment and Malpaso Productions for Universal Studios,[4] and is being produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard with Malpaso's Robert Lorenz[2] and Clint Eastwood, who is also directing. Tim Moore and Jim Whitaker are executive producers.[3]

Principal photography began on October 15, 2007[5] and took 35 days.[1] Filming took place at locations in San Dimas, California (which doubled for 1920s Pasadena, California),[6] at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California, and in the Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, which was converted into a replica of the 1920s Los Angeles City Council chambers. Cinematography is by Tom Stern and the film is edited by Joel Cox. In what has been described as a "technical innovation", Eastwood and Stern used hand-held wireless video screens to watch the live feed of a particular shot.[1]

Development

In June 2006, Universal Studios and Ron Howard's Imagine Entertainment bought J. Michael Straczynski's spec script, with the intention for Howard to direct. The film was on a shortlist of projects for Howard after coming off the commercial success of The Da Vinci Code.[7] Straczynski indicated that the film was talked about as a "prestige" project for the studio,[8] and said that "Once the script got out there, there was a line-up of female stars who wanted to be in it because [the role] is astonishing [...] Angelina [Jolie] jumped to the front of the line."[9] In March 2007, the production was fast tracked by Universal. When Howard instead opted to direct Frost/Nixon, potentially following that up with the sequel to The Da Vinci Code, it became clear that he could not direct Changeling until 2009.[2] Howard and producer Brian Grazer instead began looking for other directors to helm the project. Straczynski said that five A-list directors were interested.[10] Clint Eastwood eventually agreed to direct,[2] after reading the script and "loving it".[9]

Casting

  • Angelina Jolie signed to appear as Christine Collins in March 2007.[11] Jolie explained her role, "I thought this was going to be one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done, given the subject matter, but instead it’s been the easiest,"[1] while Eastwood described the role as "a great tour de force for a woman".[12] Jolie also noted that as a mother herself, the subject of a child kidnapping was "the last thing I want to think about [...] It's very emotional. Every day I'm crying. I don't know who's going to want to see me crying in every scene."[13] Jolie said of Eastwood's directing, "You’ve got to get your stuff together and get ready because he doesn’t linger…which I think is wonderful. He expects people to come prepared and get on with their work.”[14]
  • John Malkovich joined the production in October 2007[15] as firebrand Presbyterian evangelist Gustav Briegleb, who helps rally the public behind Collins' cause.[1] Malkovich said taking direction from Eastwood was "delightful" and described his directing style as "[redefining] economical [...] He doesn’t say 'action,' he doesn’t say 'cut' — he doesn’t say much, really. He's fairly quiet." Malkovich added, "Some [directors] — like Clint Eastwood or Woody Allen — don’t really like to be tortured by a million questions. They hire you, and they figure you know what to do, and you should do it […] And that’s fine by me.”[16]
  • Amy Ryan plays Collins' best friend; a prostitute who teaches survival skills to Collins[17] and is wrongfully accused of a crime by the police.[18] The character has been described by Ryan as being in a "dire situation". She said that while her character doesn't come to blows with Jolie's, there were "some good fight scenes between us.” Like Jolie, Ryan didn't audition for her role in person, instead sending in a tape to Eastwood.[19] Ryan also noted the calmness of the set,[20] observing that Eastwood was "approachable and conversational"[21] and that her experiences working with director Sydney Lumet on 100 Centre Street and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead were useful due to Eastwood's similar preference for filming a small number of takes.[22][19] Ryan cited the filming of a fight scene during which Eastwood showed her "how to throw a movie punch" as her favorite moment of the production.[21]
  • Jason Butler Harner plays Gordon Northcott, a mechanic accused of murder.[15] Harner described his character as "a horrible, horrible, wonderful person."[23]

Also starring are Geoff Pierson as "flamboyant" defense attorney Sammy "S.S." Hahn, Jeffrey Donovan as LAPD captain J.J. Jones,[1] Colm Feore as the chief of police,[15] Michael Kelly,[3] Denis O'Hare,[24] and Devon Conti.[25]

Writing

After twenty years working in television, writing and producing shows such as Babylon 5 and Jeremiah, writer J. Michael Straczynski felt he needed a break from the medium. Having become fascinated with the real-life story behind the film, Straczynski obtained enough information on the case to be able to "figure out how to tell it." Within twelve days, he had completed the first draft of the script, which was passed to Ron Howard via Straczynski's agent.[9]

After Howard stepped down as director, it began to look as if the film would not be made. The script was cited as "one of those blessed and doomed [...] that periodically floats around Hollywood: a truly gripping read that actors and directors respond to with passion but that nonetheless has a hard time getting made." Straczynski said of the situation, "There are all kinds of circumstances that can affect whether or not something goes forward [...] I've gotten very Zen about the whole thing."[26] The shooting script was not changed from Straczynski's first draft.[27]

Release

Changeling is set for release on November 7 2008,[28] and will premiere in competition at the 61st Cannes Film Festival in May 2008. The film is Eastwood's fifth to enter competition at the festival.[29]

Changeling is the first film made by Eastwood for a studio other than Warner Bros. since Absolute Power in 1997.[1] Eastwood's successful track record at the Academy Awards has generated speculation that Changeling will find success at the 81st Academy Awards ceremony in 2009, which will honor outstanding achievements in film for 2008.[30][31][32] Because of her pregnancy, Angelina Jolie will be performing minimal promotional duties for the film.[33]

Real life events

Changeling is based on the Wineville Chicken Murders, an infamous kidnapping and murder case that occurred in Los Angeles from 1928 through 1930.[1][34] The case exposed corruption in the Los Angeles Police Department and received nationwide attention.[35]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Scott Foundas (2007-12-19). "Clint Eastwood: The Set Whisperer". LA Weekly. Retrieved 2007-12-29. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d Diane Garrett, Michael Fleming (2007-03-08). "Eastwood, Jolie catch 'Changeling'". Variety. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ a b c "Universal Studios official website". Universal. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
  4. ^ Michael Fleming, Diane Garrett (2007-07-12). "Imagine to stay at Universal". Variety. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Army Archerd (2007-09-20). "Eastwood plots schedule". Variety. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ Marc Campos (2007-10-17). "Eastwood Directs Jolie in San Dimas". Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Retrieved 2007-12-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Gabriel Snyder (2006-06-27). "U picks up 'Changeling'". Variety. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ J. Michael Straczynski (2006-08-05). "Re: JMS's Spotlight at SDCC". Newsgroup: rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite newsgroup}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ a b c Sharon Eberson (2007-08-09). "Busy writer is drawn back to 23rd century". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-01-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ J. Michael Straczynski (2006-10-11). "Re: Ron Howard's Changeling project falls through?". Newsgroup: rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite newsgroup}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Michael Fleming, Diane Garrett (2007-03-19). "Jolie 'Wanted' for Universal film". Variety. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ "When Clint Eastwood calls, legends oblige". Reuters. 2007-09-22. Retrieved 2008-01-29. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ William Keck (2007-11-06). "Jolie enjoys stepping from mom role into dark 'Beowulf' realm". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-01-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ Josh Horowitz (2007-06-18). "Angelina Jolie Can't Wait To Go Toe-To-Toe with Clint Eastwood". MTV Movies Blog. Retrieved 2008-01-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ a b c Borys Kit (2007-10-16). "3 join Jolie for 'Changeling'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2007-11-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Jessica Goebel, Larry Carroll (2007-11-09). "Malkovich Makes A 'Changeling'". MTV Movies Blog. Retrieved 2008-01-29. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ Kathi Scrizzi Driscoll (2007-11-10). "Ryan's career going, baby, going". Cape Cod Times. Retrieved 2007-11-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ Donna Freydkin (2007-10-19). "Amy Ryan: Rotten to the core as 'Gone' mom". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-01-29. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ a b Brett Johnson (2008-01-27). "Amy Ryan rides roller coaster of a career". Ventura County Star. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ Larry Carroll (2007-11-27). "Amy Ryan Loves Spare 'Changeling'". MTV Movies Blog. Retrieved 2008-01-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ a b Lina Lofaro (2008-01-12). "Q&A: Amy Ryan". Time. Retrieved 2008-01-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ Missy Schwartz (November 2007). "Amy Ryan Checks In". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
  23. ^ Harry Haun (2007-10-05). "Playbill on Opening Night: Mauritius — A Threepenny Opera". Playbill. Retrieved 2008-01-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ Nellie Andreeva, Kimberly Nordyke (2008-04-15). "Jennie Garth departs 'Girl'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2008-04-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ "John Robert Powers Acting School Success Story" (Press release). PRWeb.com. 2008-04-09. Retrieved 2008-04-23. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ Jay Fernandez (2006-10-11). "The Big Name Gets Distracted". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-01-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ Erik Amaya (2008-02-24). "Wondercon: Spotlight on Straczynski". The Comic Wire. Retrieved 2008-02-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ Patrick Day, Jevon Phillips, Lora Victorio (January 2008). "The Year in Preview". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-01-28.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ Todd McCarthy (2008-04-22). "Clint's 'Changeling' set for Cannes". Variety. Retrieved 2008-04-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ Justin Chang (2008-02-07). "Speculation on next year's contenders". Variety. Retrieved 2008-02-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ Lou Lumenick (2008-02-25). "Box-office 'Prophet': The Awards Faves for Next Year". New York Post. Retrieved 2008-02-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ Kevin Williamson (2008-03-02). "Turning the Page". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved 2008-03-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ "Angelina Jolie Takes Maternity Leave". Transworld News. 2008-02-16. Retrieved 2008-02-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ "Feature Film: Untitled feat. Angelina Jolie & Clint". Talent Hunter. 2007-08-22. Retrieved 2008-01-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ Kurz, John (1988-12-15). "Mira Loma History, Riverside County, California: Wineville Chicken Murders". Rubidoux Historical Society. Retrieved 2008-01-26. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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