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THE CRYING GAME has been described as many things, and all of them probably true. Even after 15 years after its initial release, it remains writer-director Neil Jordan's insurmountable masterpiece. Not many casual moviegoers seem to know about this one, but serious film buffs hold this dramatic gem along the greatest cinematic landmarks. This film hasn't changed the landscape of moviegoing as we know it, but it's impacted the souls of those who've embarked on its journey.
And what a journey it is...one so intriguing and fascinating that longtime fans still refuse to give away its secrets. When THE CRYING GAME was marketted back in 1992, Miramax and Jordan urged audiences to not reveal the plot twists. That audiences respected their wishes is an unbelievable acheivement. The acheivement was so remarkable that even though I didn't see this film until 2003, I instantly knew that my blabbering wouldn't ruin just a few cheap shocks. No no no, to talk about THE CRYING GAME in too much detail is to deprive audiences of a legitimate emotional connection with the characters.
Let's get the plot setup out the way; if I weren't to include it, I'd be talking to myself when I want others to share my experiences. Several IRA operatives kidnap a British soldier, holding him for ransom. As Jody (the British soldier) is held captive, an IRA volunteer named Fergus reluctantly befriends his target. Basically, it's Stockholm Syndrome backwards --- rather than the victim embracing his/her captor, Fergus is eager to use the carrot rather than the stick. As things develop poorly for Jody, Fergus ends up looking for Jody's lover, Dil. From there, I will reveal no more...
The word "unpredictable" is an understatement. To call THE CRYING GAME a tale of love or loyalty does not do this film justice. This masterpiece deserves to be known as a "drama" in the truest sense. Webster's definiton is:
"A COMPOSITION IN VERSE OR PROSE INTENDED TO PORTRAY LIFE OR CHARACTER OR TO TELL A STORY USUALLY INVOLVING CONFLICTS AND EMOTIONS THROUGH ACTION AND DIALOGUE AND TYPICALLY DESIGNED FOR THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE."
A story like THE CRYING GAME's might not be plausible in our physical world, but the triangle involving Fergus, Jody, and Dil is every bit as interesting as a romantic or spiritual connection can be. When the definition refers to "a composition in verse or", I think Neil Jordan's film is constructed in acts very similar to PSYCHO. Although we don't meet very many characters, Jordan seems to keep reinventing what they're about. The central focus or narrative is in a constant growth, which is interesting considering Fergus is almost in every shot.
Another interesting note about the verses: Jordan's selection of music is appropriate on a variety of levels. He uses "The Crying Game" in several versions, each telling a different story. Percy Sledge's "When A Man Loves A Woman" opens the movie, and takes on new meaning if you watch the film several times (aside from the obvious "joke"). Anne Dudley's score for the film is a jack-of-all-trades, using military drums for intensity, and classier & seductive instruments for reflection and discovery. It's a rather wonderful music soundtrack.
The verses and prose continue with unbelievable sequences of dialogue. Just listening to these characters talk is an absolute joy.
"I can't help it. It's in my nature."
When a headbagged Jody tells his captor the fable of how a scorpion betrays a frog after being helped across a pond, we relate to Fergus. We realize the visceral impact of the story, but not the cerebral effect. We react, but do not understand. THE CRYING GAME works as a tease, but each time delivers a payoff, and each payoff is an unexpected development.
I think most of this movie's fans' favorite narrative tool is Col, Dil's preferred bartender. In Dil's early scenes, instead of talking directly to Fergus across the bar, she thinks aloud to Col, which the drink-server relays Dil's comments to Fergus.
DIL: "Ask him if he likes his haircut."
COL: "She wants to know, sir, do you like your hair?"
FERGUS: "Tell her I like it fine."
And to finally on comment on THE CRYING GAME's dramatic "theatricality", the pacing is tight with its 2-hour length. The film works a variety of tones from comedy to violence, from love to hate, and from love and loss. The presentation isn't corny like an American filmmaker would've treated this subject. We believe in the story not only because of Jordan's sensibilities, but also because this story has yet to be replicated. Few screenplays command such respect from future artists.
I could go on and on about this work of genius. Thankfully, I still haven't given away anything. THE CRYING GAME's truest admirers haven't, either. And once you've watched the film, you'll come up with clever ways to entice newcomers into the fold, while struggling to keep a tight lip.
DVD EXTRAS
---This Special Edition DVD includes a making-of documentary, which includes interviews from Stephen Rea, studio execs, Neil Jordan, and even two military officers from both sides of the Northern Ireland conflict. Jaye Davison (who played Dil) is noticeably absent, but Davison has been long-removed from the spotlight, so that's not a surprise. There's also an alternate ending that the studios insisted upon. The Alternate ending isn't terrible, but Jordan's original ending is vastly superior.
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Top reviews from other countries
cora
Still Compelling 25 Years Later
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2017
M. Britton
After all these years of waiting for a blu ray release and BFI knocks it out of the ballpark! Thank you BFI for this disc!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2017
david lodge
This is a brilliant film. I had it on VHS and wanted ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 3, 2018
