When the male lover is set adrift at the end of the film, he is shown leaping into a gray sea, and swims toward the camera, forming one of the most beautiful images of the night. The use of colors, perspectives and editing of special effects is truly remarkable in a Baz Luhrmann s Romeo and Juliet kind of way. Some critics would probably say this style suggests nothing but a music video designed for teen angst and libido, but the directors knew their audience. Besides, angst and libido are the stuff that drives most of film and life. Crossing received the second place award and represented a striking contrast in technique and style from Lucid Gray.
Crossing is made from the mold one expects, and indeed wants to see at an independent film festival.
Filmed on a 16 mm camera in black and white on the streets of Paris, the viewer feels intellectual just watching. Saurel shows an attention to detail and technique, which is subtle rather than flashy. Saurel uses an adult cast and portrays the progress of a man away from confinement as he sheds everything from his job and his tie to a framed picture of the past. Saurel makes wonderful use of the medium. Kredell s close examination of images presents an intriguing perspective as a series of events leads two people to each other.