If I had known that CrissCross was such a wonderful and powerful movie, I would have seen it long ago instead of having it in my collection for ages unseen. Lately, I’ve discovered several captivating movies that share a strikingly similar theme, and I truly believe they’re worth exploring. Amongst them, King of the Hill and The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things. CrissCross is a compelling Coming-of-Age film, and it also weaves a touching and sensitive drama that resonates deeply with its audience. It is a combination that often produces powerful and touching masterpieces, and this one is no exception.
Based on Scott Sommer’s novel, the movie deals with the special relationship between a young single mother and her twelve-year-old son. Goldie Hawn portrays a woman abandoned by her husband and strives to secure a better future for her son. She works as a waitress in a small motel in Key West and serves drinks in a strip club. Soon, however, the lack of money forces her to become a stripper herself. From that moment forward, the narrative unfolds reminiscent of Metallica’s powerful video for Turn the Page.
However, the story in the movie is told from the viewpoint of her son, the 12-year-old Criss (played by David Arnott). He is a vulnerable boy, affected by his father, who tries to support his mom financially by taking on various side jobs. One involves delivering fish regularly from a ship at sea to the hotel cook. One day, he discovers that he is being used as a mule by the cook who secretly deals cocaine. He feels betrayed, but at the same time, he sees a chance to help his mom quit her stripping job by making enough money for both of them by selling drugs.
In the review written by Chris Hicks, Davit Arnott is said to “ensemble River Phoenix at this age.” which is an odd fact, considering the many reviews in which one of the actors in Son of Rambow, Will Poulter, is said to resemble River Phoenix as well. It makes me wonder if that’s purpose or purely coincidental.
Davit is entering the spotlight in CrissCross, a dazzling showcase where young talents deliver unforgettable performances! He mostly narrates the movie’s story, and I could not help but notice the unique sound of his voice. Adding to this is his burgeoning sense of identity, complemented by his striking looks (for someone his age) and the fact that he appears in nearly every scene. With a noticeable focus on his youthful, sweat-drenched presence, the camera emphasizes his physicality. It’s no wonder David Arnott left a strong and lasting impression on everyone who watched the film. It is a shame that he did not pursue an acting career.
The film’s theme song plays several times and always enhances the emotional impact of the scenes it accompanies. The score(just like the product design ) is extremely fitting for the period in which the story is set, as it features some amazing ’60s tunes like Albatross by Fleetwood Mac.
Some people consider this movie a bit slow-paced, but this is not true. Moreover, the director skillfully immerses the audience in the atmosphere of the late ’60s, complete with hippies wandering the streets and iconic rock-and-roll tracks playing in the background. The film also features several humorous moments, most of which stem from Criss’s coming-of-age journey and his youthful naivety.
Ultimately, CrissCross stands as a poignant and beautifully crafted Coming-of-Age drama, skillfully blending emotional depth, powerful performances, and an evocative portrayal of the late ’60s—a timeless gem that deserves to be rediscovered.
CrissCross Trailer
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104027/reference