There is just too much going on in this film, in my not-so-humble opinion. Somebody should have told the screenwriter that you don’t have to put in everything you know in a two-hour script.

Of course, as always, ymmv.

The craftsmanship in CHANGELING is irrefutable: the clothes, the cars, the buildings, the muted color scheme and asurprisingly effective Eastwood score that pensively essays the proceedings–all are exemplary. And the performances are uniformly solid–even Jolie’s, altyhough she cries an awful lot.

Alas though, as you pasically pinpoint in other vernacular–this is an “all surface” film that doesn’t probe even remotely deep enough in to the psychology of the characters. It’s engrossing, and not boring at all, but it’s not at all challenging either. And the forced hospital stay–the most infuriating plot element– is a cross between ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST and L.A. CONFIDENTIAL. It’s all black and white.

In any case, I do think we’re on the same page, and I completely agree with you on the point you made about the “episodic” nature of the script. Another outstanding and perceptive review at Coosa Creek Cinema.