Crazy Like a Fox

Crazy Like a Fox is a deeply flawed film that nonetheless has its merits. Well acted (mostly) and beautifully filmed, the movie suffers from a ham handed script and dubious direction. The plot when analyzed simply doesn't make much sense. The occasional voiceovers do more to muddle the story than to clarify:

Nate (Rees) sells his historically rich but dilapidated house, finds out the new owners want to tear it down and decides to live for months in a cave on the edge of the property (in Civil War military garb). When the owners go out of town he moves back in as a squatter. He elicits the sympathy and help of the locals, the sheriff and the local judge who back him up despite the fact he is clearly in violation of the law and collectively and somewhat inexplicably they eventually drive the new owners away.

OK, sure we're sympathetic to ruthless developers raping the land, but what exactly did Nate living in a cave accomplish other than cast doubt on his sanity? And are we to be sympathetic to people who take the law into their own hands, and use nepotism and small town politics to usurp the rule of law simply because they don't like outsiders? Who exactly then are the bad guys?

Shakespearean actor Roger Rees in his first film role is generally good, problems with his accent aside and Mary McDonnel gives a very nice performance. One feels that both would have done better with more coherent direction. The cinematography and the score (by Washington composer David Kane) are both first rate.

All in all, CLAF represents opportunities lost.

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.

There is nothing complex about "Crazy Like A Fox". It is the straightforward story, really a fairy tale, of a man who through bad luck or being irresponsible, or both, is forced to sell his historically rich Virginia farm. Most certainly the entire movie is both unrealistic, and yet at the same time quite charming. If at times it seems a bit too "warm and fuzzy", that is because it is. The yuppies seem to give up way too easy, and the joyous singing and dancing is overdone. The performances are fine, the scenery is beautiful, but the story lacks realism and depth. I would not call this a comedy, it is more a family feel good movie that will appeal to some, while others will most likely be dozing off. - MERK

I loved this movie. I live in an area where the surrounding countryside is being eaten up by fast-growing townhouse communities and their accompanying shopping malls, and where most of the local legislators are too busy slurping at the real estate developers' trough to take any notice of the fast-fading farmland. Crazy Like a Fox shows what happens when neighbors unite to help one of their friends, played wonderfully by Roger Rees. Rees, who mistrusts everyone including his own wife and his good friend the real estate agent , fights back against the forced sale of his estate by moving to a cave on the property. Somehow, Rees manages to make that bizarre action seem like the only rational choice.

Christina Rouner and Paul Fitzgerald, as the wealthy city lawyers who are clearly looking to make even bigger bucks in real estate investments, are terrific. Not only do they look the part -- young, attractive, well-dressed -- but they are both able to convey the subtle signs of "I'm- ever- so- much- better- than- you- are-ism" without forcing the issue. And Howard Koons (in what I gather must be his first movie role) is absolutely wonderful as the hired hand, lack of teeth and all.

Right up there with the acting is the photography. It is achingly beautiful, capturing the Virginia countryside in all its glory. The score, written by the director, is perfect.

Even if your town isn't (yet) threatened by developers, Crazy Like a Fox should still be on your list. This is a thoughtful, beautiful and sometimes very funny movie you'll think about long after the last credit has faded from view.

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.