The Real Story Behind 'Changeling'
Filed under: Drama, Fandom, Newsstand, Images
Pictured: The real Christine Collins (circa 1928) and Angelina Jolie as Collins in the 2008 film Changeling. [photo via Lapl]
Films based on true stories are my big vice. If I avoid the project, I can save myself some energy, but as soon as I start reading into it, or actually go and see it, I begin to get the research itch. Soon my browser has a million windows open as I research what's true, what's unknown, and what's complete Hollywood fabrication. If you're at all like that, you'll appreciate the comprehensive research into Changeling conducted by Larry Harnisch for the LA Times.
This collection of posts has got everything -- we're talking maps that point out where Christine Collins lived over the years and background info like census responses and voter registration, photos from the twenties as well as current shots, an absolute ton of news clippings, and people involved in the incident who were not in the film. You can see what Christine Collins really looked like (which could fuel more "too attractive to be believable?" discussion, although I don't think there's a terrible difference), see the faux son, and the real Walter Collins (it's amazing that they would even try to pass one off as the other...). What's particularly nice about this is that it's not a written piece -- but rather all the different aged relics, so you can read the articles published during the drama and sift through the memories on your own. If you're the least bit interested in this strange story, check it out.
What do you think? Based on that image of the real Christine Collins, was Jolie too attractive for the role?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-10-2008 @ 11:45AM
dopiestghost said...
I never understood the "too attractive to be believable" argument. Unless the role specifically calls for it, I not only think it's ok but I encourage to go with someone really good looking. If I want average looking people I'll watch the news, not go to the movies. Also, I consider myself above-average in looks but I'd still rather have an above-above-above-average guy play me in a movie.
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11-10-2008 @ 1:10PM
Carol said...
Who cares! So what if Angelina is beautiful she can play who ever she wants ugly or pretty!
your comment makes no sense!
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11-10-2008 @ 1:38PM
Garett said...
It's not even up to Angelina... It's whatever the Director wants! Remember "Monster," with debeautified Charlize?
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11-10-2008 @ 2:43PM
Joan said...
What difference does her looks make. What isn't anyone talking about what a wonderful job she did in the film. Personally, she is not one of my favorite people but she did one fine performance. I found it hard to believe that it was her in some shots. She really did look different and her mouth was her only give away. I really enjoyed the movie.
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11-10-2008 @ 6:39PM
paul said...
I think if you're going to have to stare at someone for an hour and a half it helps if the person you're staring at is attractive. I think that's what is known as "movie magic".
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11-12-2008 @ 6:39AM
Michael Rice said...
Angelina never seemed out of place in the period piece or out of character. I was not watching the beautiful lady that she is, I was watching the wrecked, lost mother desperate to find her missing son. For me it was another transformation that Clint Eastwood has a habit of pulling out of his actors and probably another Oscar nomination. [Not to mention one for John Malkovich.]
Without giving too much away, the photo from the movie that you show is one of the best appearances for Angelina in the movie. There were many scenes where her on screen appearance was much closer to the actual Christine Collins.
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11-17-2008 @ 4:02PM
Misty said...
When I watched this movie I felt that Angelina Jolie fit the role perfectly. I even ashaully thought she looked tired and not as glamed up as she has been in films. She looked exsactly how she should of looked back in the late 30's. There was never any moment I got lost on her looks but the story. I really don't think there is any point to be made in "too attractive to be believable". Because I think we all agree that we where all lost in the story and not the looks of Angelina.
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11-29-2008 @ 1:08PM
Dante said...
A sure Oscar for Angelina's riveting performance. THis is the Titanic of the new Millenium! What a powerhouse ride for Angelina. I believied every word and action. It was so heartbreaking and gut wrenching. Totally unexpected! Bravo!
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12-11-2008 @ 7:25AM
Emma said...
I'm sorry, but how could you possibly say Angelina is too beautiful to be believable?! Where we watching the same film? I'm personally not a fan of Jolie, but I couldn't possibly fault her performance. I left leaving the cinema pained and totally disheartened after watching. A feeling that has not been provoked in me since last watching Schindler's list. What seems to be neglected here, is the actual fact of the story itself. It is totally irrelevant if Jolie is beautiful or not, the struggle and determination of Christine is totally inspiring & moving all in which Angelina captured in her powerful performance!
5 Stars!
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12-13-2008 @ 2:35AM
Farah said...
well regardless of who played the role, whether it was Angelina or the ugliest person alive, when you are watching a movie with a storyline of such magnitude, no one (at least not me) focuses on minor details such as looks. Though i think Jolie did a magnificent Job with this role, half of the time i forgot that it was "Angelina Jolie" playing a role, because she embodied the character so well. whether shes a single mother who has just got her worst nightmare realized or a world class trained assassin Jolie always brings 150% to the table.
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1-04-2009 @ 7:49PM
stuart said...
to be honest i am a little shocked to see all the jibber jabber about being to pretty
when i watched the movie i was on the edge of my seat wondering if the boy ever returns , with my head torn in two thinking about my kids
possibly the to pretty people were not really into the movie or even captured by the true story to be sat thinking she is to pretty to play this role
, i live in the uk and we get movies a while after the states, ther has been a lot of hype
when the movie ended there was no movement or any sound in the cinema , everyone was shocked and upset and certainly no half witt coments about the leading role was to pretty ,
maybe all the to pretty comments owners should stick to untrue movies like rambo or barbwire where they can get into the movie and wonder if they would really look like that in real life
stuart from berkshire uk
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1-05-2009 @ 3:18AM
stuart said...
i totally agree with you
i am not sure these people were watching the same movie
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