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6.8/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Crazy That Way remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Okay, so if you're into those fast-paced, sometimes a little *too* dramatic early talkies, "Crazy That Way" might actually be worth a look. It's a quick trip, under 70 minutes. People who dig a good old-fashioned love triangle, especially one where the men act like total children, will probably get a kick out of it. If you're looking for deep character studies or a slow burn, though, this one's probably not for you. It jumps right in, no real breathing room.
The movie opens, and boom, we're right in the thick of it. Ann Jordan (Joan Bennett) is engaged to Frank Oakes (Kenneth MacKenna), but Robert Metcalf (Regis Toomey) is just… *there*. Like, always. 🙄
It’s less a subtle rivalry and more a full-on kindergarten playground brawl. These two dudes are just relentless.
They follow Ann, they show up where she is. There's this one shot where Frank is trying to talk to Ann, and Robert just casually walks into the background, *staring*. It's subtle, but it sells his whole obsessed vibe, you know?
The scene at the country club, where they’re supposed to be playing tennis, really shows how childish they are. Frank keeps messing up his shots because he's distracted by Robert hanging around. It’s funny how a simple game quickly turns into a power play.
Joan Bennett as Ann, she has this weary look sometimes. You can almost feel her thinking, "Seriously, *these* guys?" She's not a damsel in distress, more like someone trying to manage two unruly pets.
Her reactions are what makes the whole thing work. She isn't just waiting for a man to pick her, she's trying to figure out how to get some peace and quiet!
The pacing is pretty wild for an early sound film. Dialogue comes at you fast. It feels like everyone is just a little bit hyped up on something, buzzing with energy.
Sometimes the sound quality, well, it's 1930. You get used to it. A little echo-y now and then, but you can always catch what they're saying.
There are some truly sharp, witty lines that pop out of all the noise. Then other bits feel a touch stilted, like they were still figuring out how to make conversations sound totally natural on film.
I caught Baby Mack in this one! He's just in a small role, but seeing him, even briefly, is a cool little historical note for film buffs. He’s always a treat.
Then there's the garden fight. Oh man. It’s not graceful, it’s a proper, *messy* tumble. They're literally rolling around, destroying flowers and shrubs. It’s kind of shocking how physical it gets, and it’s a big moment for Ann.
That scene is a real turning point, not just for the plot but for Ann's patience. She's just had enough.
You expect her to pick one of them, right? But the way it shifts to Jack Gardner, the older engineer friend of her father, feels… earned? She just wants some peace, you know. After all that noise, a little quiet must seem like heaven.
Jack Gardner, played by Jason Robards Sr., he’s a different energy. Calm. Stable. It makes total sense why Ann would suddenly see him in a new light. He’s like a quiet harbour after a storm.
It’s not a perfect movie. The whole "following her everywhere" bit gets a little repetitive, even for a short film. But it builds up to that breaking point pretty well.
It’s a specific kind of old film enjoyment. Like finding a slightly dusty, charming picture in an attic. Not a masterpiece, but it has its own unique energy and some real laughs. If you liked the playful, almost theatrical feel of something like Not Quite Decent, you might find a similar vibe here, even though it's a very different story.
The film just… ends. It doesn't overstay its welcome. You get the idea. It's all very direct.
IMDb —
1916
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