Crazy Like a Fox

All the world loves a lover and comedy tries to take us into a green world. This movie gives us both. The hero of Crazy Like a Fox loves his literally ancestral home and its traditions and his world is emerald Virginia.

This heart-whole and superbly photographed movie allows its audience to relax. They know or intuit that they're in good hands. The calm authority of director Richard Squires focuses on the human heart and what makes it beat, avoiding tricks, attention-grabbing gimmicks and the latest trend. Instead, he gives his attention to working with Roger Rees, Mary McDonnell and a skilfully selected ensemble cast to create a world of persons, loyalties, friendships and dignified passions. Many movies come from toolkits. This story comes up out of the soil and the traditions of the state that has given us eight presidents and -- although a modern story set in the present -- gives you an idea of what you have to mix together to get a Jefferson or a Washington.

I was delighted to be part of the audience when this film was shown in Washington, DC,at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The storyline reflected a frequently overlooked "scenario" that is part of many small, southern towns, i.e., the mandatory sale of large, plantation style houses because they are too expensive to maintain in today's economy. I thought each of the actors demonstrated an "honest" portrayal of the emotions and internal conflicts that would be a part of this kind of situation, especially when these homes have been in families for many generations. I also think this movie was sensitive to another part of this scenario that is seldom addressed, because in today's world it is not considered "politically correct." In many instances, some of these changes adversely affected the domestic staff, because they considered themselves to be part of these families. With that being said, I think that Myrrh Cauthen gave dignity and honesty to the role of the housekeeper. And, this story was carried out amid the beautiful scenery that is part of rural Virginia. Great Job.

I saw Mr. Squires film, "Crazy Like A Fox", in Leesburg, Virginia two years ago at a special screening.

I am a filmmaker of mostly documentaries and a transplanted Yankee, who, while watching the film was moved to tears several times – something that never happens.

The message in this film, to me, is a strong sense of the loss of ones home, of land, of tradition, of pride, of culture, of history, and of the environment because of suburban sprawl that is driven by quick cash and greed.

In the opening of the movie it could easily have read, "This film is based on a true story", because this tale is happening all over Northern Virginia right now! The beauty of Virginia's piedmont region is captured well. These visuals, juxtaposed with the voice-over speaking of tradition, family, and roots sent chills through me.

The acting, editing, and directing ranged from good to great.

This film exemplifies the all-too-real land-rape of today created by speculators, developers, and local governments. Someday I hope to personally meet Mr. Squires and thank him for his great work and even greater message.

Nothing at the 2004 Savannah Film Festival was quite as frustrating to watch as the non-dimensional, feature-length helping of twisted Southern principles, "Crazy Like a Fox." The plot: A man sells his house to rich snobs and, after being tricked, changes his mind. He manages to conjure up the support of his fellow Southern folk in an effort to drive the outsiders out of their town. U.K. actor Roger Rees plays Nat Banks, a Virginian farmer who even after living his whole life in the South still hasn't been able to stop speaking with a British accent (seriously, he does, and without explanation).

The bad guys, played like cartoon characters, manage to purchase Nat's house fairly and squarely. Unable to deal, Nat begins camping out on their property. Eventually, he musters the courage to seize the house with the support of the police, judges and anyone else who doesn't care about breaking the law.

Perplexing and ultimately unsettling, "Crazy Like a Fox" argues that law, order and a free market are not valued in Virginia and that rich, snobby people are mean and should be kicked out of small towns. More astounding than this movie being accepted into the film festival is the fact that someone, somewhere, funded this 98-minute disaster.

I was pleased to screen this film at my festival:

The Santa Fe

Film Festival... this is a quirky and heart felt dramedy with a strong message. The acting is terrific.

I love the tone. A great story. Definitely worth seeing. You root for the hero. You feel pride for the cause. You can feel the scenery. I also like the feel of times past.

Mary Mcdonnell is a gem. The male lead is also addicting. What a wonderful face. I loved this film. Very well directed. A unique film unlike anything I've ever seen.