Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
C.R.A.Z.Y. is a coming-of-age film about a young man’s struggle with his sexuality while growing up with four brothers in the 1960s and 1970s.
Born on Christmas 1960, Zac (Marc-André Grondin) is the fourth of five brothers. Unlike Zac’s brothers, he has an effeminate side that he’s not afraid to express. While his mother, Laurianne (Danielle Proulx), is okay with Zac wanting dolls and is desire for a pram, it causes his father, Gervais (Michel Côté), some anxiety. In an attempt to make Zac more masculine, Gervais makes time for short one-on-one bonding sessions with Zac. However, while these moments become special to Zac, they don’t change who he is.
When Zac is a teenager, it he realizes that he’ll need to suppress his true nature if he wants to maintain his father’s love. While the thought of losing the special bond he has with his father upsets him, he also wants to stay true to himself. And as Zac attempts to find a solution, the drama begins.
Some Thoughts:
C.R.A.Z.Y. is a historical movie that doesn’t try to make everything look perfect, and in doing so, gets everything right. The clothes don’t look like costumes, and the dialogue isn’t full of period slang. Everything looks and feels natural and very much the way it was–take it from someone who grew up then. Also, the acting, direction, and pacing are all well done. It never drags and will hold your interest.
Although this is a gay film, there isn’t a lot of homosexual content, or at least not the type people expect. There’s practically no man-on-man action, nor is there a male love interest. This is because Zac’s struggle with his sexuality and his desire for other men are present, but they’re not the focus. Instead, it concentrates on Zac’s attempts at a heterosexual lifestyle despite how obvious it is to that he’s gay. And in the end, you get a coming-of-age story that feels fresh and new.
The Final Verdict:
C.R.A.Z.Y. isn’t your run of the mill LGBT film. If you keep that in mind, its fine acting, direction, and script will keep you interested.