State power denounced in the Clint Eastwood film “Changeling”

Pastor Briegleb, who exudes an indescribable sense of unease.

Eastwood's anger is not only directed at the police force, but also at the brutal murderer Gordon Northcott. The proof of this is that his execution scene is so long that it threatens to destroy the balance of the story. Eastwood made this comment in an interview:

"One of the most chilling scenes in the movie is the execution. Why did you choose to depict the details?"

"Eastwood: Because we felt it was worth explaining in detail. Northcott was sentenced to two years in solitary confinement after his conviction and then hanged."

( Excerpt from indielondon article )

``Because I felt it was worth explaining in detail'' is not an explanation at all. I can't help but think that they are trying to once again use the form of film to make Northcott suffer the blow of justice. However, in my opinion, the person Eastwood's most angry gaze is directed at in this movie is not Gordon Northcott, the city's police chief, or Presbyterian pastor Gustav Briegleb. Or?

At first glance, he appears to be a ``fighter of justice'' who is fighting alongside Christine against corruption in the police, but everything about him seems too shady. I feel that this is a highly calculated attempt to gain support from citizens and raise the status of the church by thoroughly criticizing the police.

“Changeling” (C) 2008 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS.All Rights Reserved.

"The police won't accept any objections or counterarguments...If you want to fight, we'll be happy to help."

"Mr. Pastor, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. But I don't want to fight the police, I just want my son back."

"Many mothers' sons have fallen victim to police negligence. If we fight right, we can put an end to this unfortunate situation."

He uses words to pacify Christine and turns her son's disappearance into a fight with the police. Moreover, John Malkovich plays the role of Reverend Briggleb! He may have been close friends with Eastwood in ` `In the Line of Fire '' (1993). The use of John Malkovich, who creates an indescribable sense of unease, suggests a sense of distrust not only toward the police but also toward the church.

Text: Rui Takeshima

A pop culture writer who wants to be kicked by Hit Girl. Host of the web magazine " POP MASTER ".

Watch now

View work information

"Changeling"

Blu-ray: 1,886 yen + tax / DVD: 1,429 yen + tax

Publisher: NBCUniversal Entertainment

(C) 2008 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS.All Rights Reserved.

*Information as of November 2020.

(c) Photofest / Getty Images