Changes

Changes is a gem from the magic lantern of the sixties, released in 1969, a time when America was in the throes of societal and cultural upheaval. Moody, ethereal, and tinged with aspects of a coming-of-age tale, the movie boasts a stellar cast featuring Kent Lane in the protagonist's role, with seasoned actors like Michele Carey and Jack Albertson to complement the film's essence fluidly.

The film is a deep exploration of the self whilst simultaneously being a snapshot of the swirling social, political, and cultural changes of the late '60s. Conceived and directed by Hall Bartlett, it carries the unmistakable stamp of the New Hollywood wave that was washing over American cinema at the time, characterized by its unflinching look at previously taboo themes, a trend towards naturalistic dialogue, stylistic visual language, and symbolic narrative structure.

In the center of this cinematic whirlpool is Kent Lane playing the role of Kent, a college student who embarks on a personal, soul-searching journey amid the convoluted paradigm of societal norms and expectations. His journey represents the struggles of a new generation trying to carve out its own identity in the midst of old-world constraints and a world rapidly leaning towards liberalism.

Michele Carey, as the bold, free-spirited, and eccentric Phoenix, is Kent's love interest. Phoenix's character embodies the burgeoning women’s liberation movement, and in her, viewers find a beautiful balance of vulnerability and strength, grappling to choose between her love for Kent and her nonconformist lifestyle. She is a gateway to the mystery and depth of female characters that Hollywood was about to embrace in the coming decade.

Veteran actor Jack Albertson delivers a compelling performance as the mature voice in the film. His character adds a temporal perspective and helps in bringing about subtle commentaries on generational conflicts, fading morality, and the importance of personal freedom in an increasingly systemized world.

What makes Changes gripping and engaging is the way it doesn't shy away from capturing the contradictions and the tumultuousness of the time. It exhibits the late '60s not just as a backdrop, but as a character in its own right, subtly articulating the impact of the era’s singular journey and complex dynamism. Kent's journey is not just a personal one but a reflection and an intimate portrayal of a society in flux.

The film holds a mirror to its era's existential confusion. Kent, Phoenix, and other characters' dilemmas and decisions take viewers to '60s America's hotspots - questionings about existence, uncertainty over values, individualism vis-à-vis collective social structures, and the juxtaposing of old-world values clashing with the new. The film moves beyond providing mere vignettes of the '60s lifestyle and serves as a canvas where the characters navigate their identities and relationships' complexities.

Its storytelling style is interspersed with dreamy cinematic sequences, often creating an atmosphere of reflective tranquility that sharply contrasts with the characters' chaotic inner world and the equally turbulent outer world of the late '60s America. The editing, a collage of fantastical images and sound, is unique and impactful, inviting the audience into each character's psyche, often blurring the boundaries of their consciousness with the viewers.

Changes, with its all-encompassing narrative, offers viewers a humanistic glimpse into a tumultuous era. It encapsulates not just single individuals or characters but an entire generation's creed, and it does so with such finesse and subtlety that it leaves a lasting impression. The movie is rich with its historic zeitgeist and has stood the test of time to retain its cult status, serving as a time-capsule for viewers looking to traverse the progression of American society, culture, and cinema in the late 20th century.