Review of Crazy (2000) by Daniel P — 16 Dec 2012

Absolutely stunning film, telling the story of Zac and his family of four older brothers, mother and father over 25 years from his birth in 1960. I have so many superlatives for this film I risk spouting hyperbole, but this is truly a terrific piece of work.

Zac, born on Christmas day, grows up in a Catholic family (and his mother is convinced that that his date of birth means he has powers to heal the sick) feeling isolated, an outcast - he feels inexplicably different and longs only to fit in.

As a child, Zac seems to be favored by his father but as he enters his teens there's a key shift change in their relationship and things are never the same. This has to be one of the most successful coming of age films, and more specifically, coming out films I have ever seen.

C.R.A.Z.Y. features an exceptional performance from Marc-André Frondin as Zac, who convinces as a 15 year old right up until his mid twenties, inspired direction, with an array of camera and effects techniques that never grow tired and avoid pastiche, a perfect soundtrack (Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Patsy Kline, Pink Floyd) and a resonant, moving story.

Gripping from beginning to end credits, the film finishes on a hopeful note that feels genuinely earned. *Love* it.