CrissCross

CrissCross is a 1992 dramatic film that features Goldie Hawn, Arliss Howard, and James Gammon in pivotal roles. The story revolves around a young boy named Chris Cross, who resides with his divorced mother Tracy in a small town in Florida. The film is an emotional roller coaster ride, highlighting the complex relationships between a single mother and her son, and the effect that it has on their lives.

The movie opens with a hesitant Tracy dropping her son off at a rehabilitation camp to put him on the straight and narrow, but Chris runs away from the camp and returns home. Upon arrival, he discovers that an old friend, Joe, has returned to town, and they reignite a friendship that was shattered due to a previous disagreement.

Tracy, who has slowly but surely started exploring dangerous and deious paths, begins a scandalous sexual liaison with Joe, and this, in turn, leads to a series of intense emotional events. Chris, who is dealing with his own difficulties, sees his mother's promiscuous behavior, and this leads to a blend of confusion, anger, and an overwhelming sense of hurt.

As the story develops, the secrets and lies begin to unravel, and mother and son find themselves in center stage- but with vastly different perspectives. Chris feels the sting of being abandoned by his mother, causing him to lose his bearings as he struggles to navigate high school life. Tracy, on the other hand, appears lost, with a confused and complicated love life, and is contending with the spiral of her own actions.

The movie showcases the seedy underbelly of society, highlighting the exploitation of young boys by older women, poverty, and drug addiction. It's a heart-wrenching tale that pulls at the viewer's heartstrings, leaving them rather reflective.

Goldie Hawn shines in her role as Tracy Cross, portraying a self-destructive, reckless woman, and Arliss Howard delivers an impressive performance as the charismatic, free-spirited Joe. James Gammon delivers a standout performance as the hardened, but kindhearted detective investigating the unfolding events.

The film's cinematography is also a work of art, the town of Florida is flawlessly captured through Corey Michael Eubank's camera work, and the interplay of light and shadow further accentuates the dark undertones of the film's events. The film score is also exemplary, with artists like David Bowie, Jackson Browne, and Iggy Pop, lending their musical talent to the score.

In conclusion, CrissCross is a powerful film that captures a wide range of human emotions. It showcases the gritty realities of life, exposes the unfortunate circumstances of people forced to make difficult decisions, and explores the complexities of mother-son relationships. Though not mainstream, CrissCross is a must-watch for anyone who desires an unflinching look at the harsh realities of life.