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Crossbar

Crossbar (1979)

Jul 21, 1979 1h 18m Drama TV Movie

The story of an Olympic high jumper, played by Brent Carver, who loses his leg and yet doggedly persists in his pursuit of athletic glory. Released a year before Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, this made-for-Canadian-TV movie, which also stars Sex and the City's Kim Cattrall, has been described as a tear-jerker.

Directed by John Trent

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • John Trent

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Crossbar examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director John Trent brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Crossbar took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The costume department created over 204 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1979, when this film was released:
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Crossbar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Jesse Owens Story, which focuses more on action than character development, Crossbar offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Molly's Game and 3 Heroines explore similar territory, Crossbar stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: July 21, 1979
  • Runtime: 1h 18m

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