The Fundy Film Society

C.R.A.Z.Y.

Yet another great film to emerge from Québec, C.R.A.Z.Y. reveals the full extent of Jean-Marc Vallée’s (Liste Noire) touching and inspirational talent. The story of a son’s struggle with identity and his quest for acceptance from his family, C.R.A.Z.Y. is potently set against the backdrop of Québec’s ‘Quiet Revolution’ that began in the sixties.

Born on Christmas Day, 1960, the fourth of five brothers, Zac Beaulieu (Marc-André Grondin) is different but desperate to fit in. To win the approval of his father, Gervais (Michel Côté, Le Dernier Tunnel), Zac tries to deny his homosexuality; he dates his childhood neighbour while harbouring a secret crush on his cousin’s boyfriend. Set in suburban Montréal, the film seamlessly unfolds over the course of forty years, during which Zac must come to terms with a whirlwind of experiences in order to accept his true nature.

Inspired by co-writer François Boulay’s own childhood, Vallée brings to the screen a poignant coming-of-age tale set amidst an uncanny depiction of family life in Montreal from the sixties to the present. Boulay and Vallée’s engrossing script makes expert use of familial interactions, filmed by Vallée with a light hand and touches of magic realism that reveal the inner workings of the suburban Québécois family. At the heart of Vallée’s dynamic and inventive film is the pairing of key scenes with popular songs from the likes of Patsy Cline and David Bowie. Audiences will embrace the Beaulieu family and be moved by the magical spirit of C.R.A.Z.Y.