I am the secret that you keep; MISS SCARLET.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

the changeling

is riveting. in all sense of the word. inspiring not only to women, but men as well. how?

because it opens up the eyes of mankind to the greed, ego and power that we all have become so familiar with in authority, be it in our professional or private lives.

at the very basic level, any mother will feel the anguish and desperation that jolie's character feels when she returns home from work to find her son missing from their home. her plea to the police force only ends her up in a journey of humiliation and utter disrespect. the scariest point is when a simple phone call can land an innocent, lost soul to be looked upon as insane and mentally incapable of any reason whatsoever.

perhaps ms. collins' reserved nature may not grab your attention instantly. perhaps she may not even win your sympathy vote because she is just too damn helpless.

but understand this:
it was a time of oppression, when women were not held in any form of high and/or reputable regard. their supposed place in society was at home with the kids and any form of defiance or rebellion from them would give any man a reason to call her "crazy".

coming across from a feminist's point of view, this movie is a call-out not only for equality to women, but a cry out to men - so that they may see the errors of their way (if ever possible). the media had a huge role to play in the portrayal of ms. collins, as her role of "mother" to her son (which is a huge irony). and till today, the media still holds that power to let us "normal" people see into the lives of others we can only read about in the news (i.e. celebrities, political figures, etc.) and till today, the media can destroy lives with their words and photo-ops.

i may be saying all this because above all, i am a woman. but i believe i'm also saying this because i can imagine the insanity that may creep upon my fragile mind, should my world ever descend into ms. collins' similar situation.

the continuous grief and unresolved case of her missing son went on, in spite of the murderer being hanged before her very eyes. i have never had a child, nor have i ever been left in-charge of one.

but i have been called a "crazy woman" to my face by one that i loved, and been accused of needing "help". that is the chord this movie struck in me.

you may watch this movie because you may just want to have your fill of an academy-nominated film. you may also watch it due to sheer curiousity stirred by the media. or you could simply be bored and wish to pass the time. but out of all the possible reasons to catch this movie, let the ultimate one be to open your mind and your heart to the true story of ms. christine collins.

4.5 out of 5. :D