Chrystal (2004)

Director:

Ray McKinnon

Writer:

Ray McKinnon (written by)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

Life is hard. Love is simple.

Plot:

Sixteen years after the accident that claimed his son's life and permanently injured his wife, a man returns to his home in search of redemption. |

Plot Keywords:

Redemption | Musicologist | Random Sex | Car Chase | Going Home

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Billy Bob Thornton	...	Joe
Lisa Blount	...	Chrystal
Ray McKinnon	...	Snake
Harry Lennix	...	Kalid
Walton Goggins	...	Larry (as Walt Goggins)
Grace Zabriskie	...	Gladys
Johnny Galecki	...	Barry
Colin Fickes	...	Hog
Max Kasch	...	Shorty
James Intveld	...	Charlie Cato
Kathryn Howell	...	Miss Mabel
Harry Dean Stanton	...	Pa Da
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Ed Corbin	...	Ned
Eddie King	...	Roamer

MPAA:

Rated R for sexuality, nudity, drug content, violence and language.

Runtime:

106 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color | Color (Technicolor)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Arkansas, USA

Company:

Chrystal Productions

As rich and complex as Ozark culture

This remarkable and completely unique film had me on the edge of my seat from the moment I heard the haunting music playing on a cello in the opening scene. I knew from the choice of this instrument when most would use a banjo or other traditional instruments common to mountain culture, that I was in for many surprises. The entire score was brilliant.

Ray McKinnon's script and direction is so original and painfully real and passionate. Just when the reality is too much to bear he makes you laugh so hard your belly aches. The acting by the entire cast, including that wonderful dog as broken as the family, is perfection. The fight scene is a ballet and nobody since Peter O'Toole moves as well as Ray McKinnon with such self-abandonment.

His performance as Snake is at once very funny and terrifying. Lisa Blount gives a performance of a lifetime. It is a difficult role which could easily have been one dimensional or overdone but she brings subtlety, nuances and richness to this character that is so fragile that you just want to reach into the screen and comfort her.

Billy Bob Thornton breaks your heart with his strong portrayal of the husband so consumed with guilt that he sets up a situation to allow himself to be beaten into a pulp to be punished for his sin.

The location and production design captures the Ozarker's uncommon and palpable sense of place and the junk sculpture in the yard is such a touching metaphor for a broken family welded together, with hope to heal and create a future. The last moment will take your breath away. I hope this film gets a chance to be seen by everyone. I feel grateful to have discovered it.