Chrystal

The quality of film that can only be delivered by Billy Bob Thorton. Along with Sling Blade, Levity and Monsterball I was immersed into the storyline, the actors and music of this fine, thoughtful and moving film.

I appreciate these films of substance, Thorton's pathway's to redemption rather than some of the later more commercial films and this one delivers to the max.

The soundtrack of rich folk music adds to an already exceptional presentation.

Can't wait for another film like this of his to come out!

Chrystal proved to be well worth watching. As usual, Billy Bob picks a movie with odd quirks and deeper meanings. His character Joe seeks forgiveness and a possible reconciliation with his wife Chrystal (Lisa Blount) after causing a wreck that kills their small son. Chrystal is also left with severe physical scars as well as mental wounds that will not heal. His return to Chrystal after a 20 year prison sentence is the central storyline. Billy Bob delivers a sad and touching performance as Joe. Lisa Blount does an excellent job as Chrystal. You feel her pain and hurt as you watch her struggle to deal with a life that has turned upside down. My favorite of all in this film was Walton Goggins' character,Larry. Goggins is an excellent actor, and "Larry," provides just enough comic relief (whether intended or not) to keep this movie from being too depressing to watch. Being a Southerner myself, I enjoyed the dialogue and Arkansas scenery. "Chrystal," while seeming deceptively simple, is an excellent film dealing with the struggle to find understanding with the often tough blows we receive in a harsh world.

Life is hard. Love is simple. It's the tag line of the movie and it is the only expectation that you should have when buying the ticket. The extraordinary characters created by writer/director Ray McKinnon and his magnificent cast, show us that sometimes the simple life isn't always as safe as it sounds. Chrystal, played by McKinnon's refreshingly talented wife, Lisa Blount, gives us a roller-coaster ride of emotions and anxiety while she does her best to deal with the "pain" of her life and hold on to the man she loves. Having grown up in the Ozark mountains myself I may be a little biased in saying that the scenery was absolutely beautiful. Ray did a great job of showcasing the rolling hills and majestic views that can only be found in that little known part of the world. This film is loaded with everything that makes a movie worth watching. From solid performances by headline actors like Billy Bob Thorton, to a deep bench of fresh new talent waiting to explode in the business, such as Colin Fickes(Hog) and Max Kasch(Shorty). Ray McKinnon also steps out from behind the camera to give a downright entertaining show as "Snake", a white trash wanna be drug lord of the holler.

For me it's a movie that was more than worth the ticket price. It was a trip home to see some old friends. I'm sure those same friends will raise hell about being shown as simpletons and hillbillies, but sometimes we are. But along with that we are the most real of any people I know and the Ginney Mule team shows that with this movie called "Chrystal."

I went to this movie with no idea of what to expect other than Billy Bob Thornton's usual brilliance. I was blown away, I couldn't decide what I was mesmerized by more, the characters or the sheer prowess of these actors. I didn't grown up in the Southern culture, I married into it, and wish I had learned to understand it better and so much earlier. I was literally transported to the small town in Alabama where my ex-husband grew up as I watched these characters do their dance. It was riveting. Ray McKinnon has created a masterpiece and his wife in the role of Chrystal was like watching someone go through life walking on broken glass, you can't help but wonder what on earth keeps them moving but that smallest glimmer of hope.

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.