The Crying Game (1992)
…………………………………………………
The Crying Game Movie Review
The Crying Game is a 1992 thriller film directed by Neil Jordan and starring Stephen Rea and Jay Davidson. It’s such an effective, original and thematically rich thriller.
………………………………………………….
“I’m loud, darling, but never cheap“
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
The film follows a main character who captures a black soldier, but befriends him before he dies. Eventually, as promised, he goes to take care and search for his girlfriend. The romance between the two develops. This is a very intriguing story and because the film is very much different in its acts, I will talk about them individually.
The first act is actually the highlight of the film, no matter what anybody else says. In my opinion, this is the early pinnacle of an all around great film. It showcases a developing friendship between a black man and his white capturer in a well detailed, sweet and highly emotional manner. I bought their relationship and, when you think about it, it truly is the heart of the entire movie. And yes, just this beginning of the film is full of surprises leading to a very effectively twisty movie.
The second act of the film sees a romance develop between the protagonist and a transgender woman. Although lacking in thriller elements problematically, it splendidly works as a complex, moving and honestly wonderful romance. It really is a romantic, sweet movie and also rather elegant in its approach. Although sensational in its twist, it still packs a punch, especially for those who don’t already know of it. It must have been a very shocking film for 90s audiences.
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
The third act is also very good, if played in a bit too standard and understated manner. I really liked that ending, but what fascinated me the most is the film’s evident Hitchockian style as exemplified by the emphasis on identity, sexuality and change in appearance. Yes, it reminded me beautifully of ‘Vertigo’ and I am puzzled at why others do not see that connection.
The Crying Game has solid, but underutilized villains who needed to be better developed and more menacing. Jim Broadbent is excellent in a minor, but very funny role. But this is the film about Dil and Fergus with Jody being the heart and ghost of the entire film and a great catalyst for the plot. Fergus is complex and mostly quite likable and Dil is intriguing, mysterious and sensual. It isn’t perfect, but this early portrayal of a transgender woman is mostly groundbreaking and effective. I was just really frustrated be her constant repetition of his fake name Jimmy.
The Crying Game is so well acted with Jaye Davidson being very strong in what is basically his only acting role. He was deservedly Oscar-nominated and his androgynous look really gave the film power and realism, most important for that fully naked reveal. Forest Whitaker is reliably excellent. But this is Stephen Rea’s movie and he maybe should have won an Oscar for his terrific, nuanced and believable performance.
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
Neil Jordan directed the movie very professionally and with a lot of style so his nomination is also very much earned. The same goes for the Best Picture category. It rightfully won for screenplay which is one of the most authentic of the nineties and also thematically rich as it explores race relations, transgenderism and complex sexualities stupendously while also effectively dealing with its political backdrop. It’s also so well edited and constantly riveting.
The Crying Game did need more thriller elements in its second act, but the romance there is very complex, intriguing and just excellent. The performances are terrific across the board with the highlight being superb Stephen Rea. The film’s so well edited, directed and particularly well scripted with a twisty, authentic, constantly intriguing and thematically rich and daring story. It’s gripping and mysterious to watch from the start while also being pleasantly reminiscent of Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo’ in its third act. The highlight, though, is an unexpected and emotionally powerful, unforgettable first act.
