The Crossing Guard

Plot synopsis:
Freddy Gale (Nicholson) has been tormented for the five years following the death of his daughter Emily. Once a devoted husband and father, he is now an alcoholic who spends his nights hanging out in strip clubs and sleeping with prostitutes. Now the drunk driver who killed her, John Booth (Morse), is released from prison. Freddy immediately reveals to his ex-wife Mary (Huston) that he is going to kill Booth. She begs him not to, and they get into an altercation that ends with her new husband throwing him out of the house.
John Booth is now living in a trailer outside of his parents' house and merely plans to go on with his life, even as he is haunted by remorse for killing Emily. At night Freddy arrives at the Booth residence, armed with a pistol. He clumsily breaks into the trailer trying to shoot, but he forgot to load a magazine. John calmly tells him he won't call the police and will let Freddy kill him, but asks for some time to savor his freedom. Freddy accepts, and gives John three days to live.
John tries to live his life as best as he can before the third day arrives. He meets an artist named JoJo (Wright) at a friend's party and he has a brief romance with her before she realizes that he can't let go of the mistake he made. He reveals to her that when he hit Emily, he came to her side as she was dying and she apologized to him for "not having looked both ways". Freddy goes to Emily's grave and leaves flowers, but leaves when he sees Mary there.
On the third day, Freddy calls Mary and breaks down in tears as he tells her of a terrible nightmare he had. In the nightmare, he is driving by his daughter's school and stops at a crosswalk where children (including a living Emily) wait. He sees that John Booth is the crossing guard. Freddy then sees himself run over all of the children, even Emily. They meet at a diner, and Mary tells him that he is beyond her help; Freddy becomes enraged and curses her. After Mary leaves, Freddy gets drunk and starts to drive to John's house. John waits in his trailer armed with a shotgun. Freddy is pulled over by the police en route to the house and arrested for drunk driving. Before the police can take him in, however, Freddy grabs his gun and runs away. He breaks into a home and hides in a little girl's room. The girl guides the police away, and Freddy thanks her and leaves.
Freddy arrives at John's trailer and waits before he enters. John abruptly jumps from a corner with a rifle in hand. Freddy tells him since he is on the run, on his property, and armed, John should be able to get away with killing him. There is a standoff as they point guns at each other. John however drops his gun and runs away; Freddy follows him. After a lengthy chase across the city, Freddy catches John climbing a fence and fires at him. John is only superficially wounded, however, and continues running. Freddy follows him, until he realizes that John has led him to a graveyard where Emily is buried. John talks silently to the grave and finally says "Your daddy's coming". Freddy gives John the gun and cries over the grave, apologizing to his daughter. John takes Freddy's hand as the sun rises.

Tags: revenge, murder, violence, romantic

Review:
A powerful and compelling story, filmed well and with some great performances.Sean Penn seems to have managed to level the actors here, with David Morse, Anjelica Huston and Jack Nicholson putting in great performances and none of them stealing the scenes from the other.
I found this very surprising as I expected Nicholson to flood the screen, as he so often does with such little difficulty.However, the emotion between Huston and Nicholson in the latter half of the film during the coffee shop scene is so powerful to watch.
Huston is such a wonderful actress, and Nicholson shows some emotional depth that I haven't seen before, or rather, not felt with his performance before.The story is written and planned extremely well, with tension rising slowly and almost imperceptibly, until the final day.
I found myself caught from the opening scenes of the counselling session cut with the drunken, partying Nicholson, right through to the pivotal moments of the main characters lives.It is a fantastic way to address this subject.
Jack Nicholson, the father of a girl killed by a drunk driver, spends some of his nights at strip clubs, while Anjelica Huston, the mother of that girl and Nicholson's ex-wife, spends time listening to those grief stricken parents pouring their hearts out.
Like that opening juxtaposition the film's points are hit with all the nuance of a sledgehammer pounding in a nail.Therefore, little attention is paid to how Huston's character attempts to come to terms with the death of her child; instead, the focus is on how Nicholson destructively grieves for his daughter.
David Morse, as the drunk driver who killed Nicholson's daughter, is, by contrast, and surprisingly, shown as some kind of repentant saint.
Another subplot of Morse falling in love with Robin Wright Penn adds nothing to the plot other than act as filler so the film can reach the standard 120 minute run time.
Sean Penn has directed other fine films (especially Into the Wild) and Nicholson, at least prior to the '90s, is a first-rate actor.
I just felt like Sean Penn had all these great ideas and grand schemes for an intense movie.
The acting was certainly good, as you would expect in a Jack Nicholson movie, but the real tragedy is that David Morse was absolutely wasted.
Sean Penn directs Jack Nicholson in this story of a man who swears to avenge his daughter's death by killing the drunk driver who struck her.The movie opens up with Nicholson's character being a sleazy guy in a strip club and instantly we don't care very much about him, because he treats everyone like crap and doesn't really seem to have much depth.
Robin Wright did give Morse at least something to work with as her performance was fairly good, although hampered by the story.....which brings us to the worst aspect of the movie--the screenplay.
And bad filler.The climax of the movie (if one can call it that) is a pathetically unrealistic chase scene where the out-of-shape, 50-something, smoking alcoholic character played by Nicholson out runs the young, muscular and fit Morse over a distance of some 3 miles or so (although it seems like 20 miles to the viewer).
Nothing is given away by this description however, since most viewers already know how a movie like this will end.The title of the film, "The Crossing Guard" is of course irrelevant to all but self-described film experts who have infinite time and desire to conjure up the "real" meaning of films and teach them to the rest of us.
It was way too long and while there were some scenes with some good acting , Nicholson was not very good--due more to the poor direction and the script than to him.The plot was certainly different and very dramatic , the reaction of parents to the death of their young daughter by a man driving his car in a school crossing.
It is never made clear if the crossing guard shown in one brief seen half asleep was asleep at the time of the accident.Not only was the ending far too long , it was completely improbable , Neither actor was a Marathon runner.You might want to see it for the same reason I did , viz.
to see Jack Nicholson and Angelica Huston ,,but if you are looking for a great movie , look somewhere else..
Robin Wright plays what might be the most interesting of characters, the woman sympathetic to her lover's situation, but unwilling to live with his sorrow.The story, in quite a subtle way, keeps the viewer shifting his / her sympathy between two of the main characters (played by St. Elsewhere's David Morse, and Nicholson); I was never certain about for whom to root.
Sometimes good, sometimes bad actor Sean Penn proves that he can be a bad writer and bad director as well, in this bogus impression of a European art film.
Other than Kari, the movie's highlight is a short fragment from the rare Jewel song, "Emily"."The Crossing Guard" is dedicated to Bukowski, an appropriate nod given the predilections of the Nicholson character..
Sean Penn can be a great actor, but with the Crossing Guard he displays a hit or miss attitude in the believability of his characters.
It starts with a given for a gripping premise: a man torn completely psychologically from himself, Freddy (Jack Nicholson) finds out the man who killed his daughter in a drunk driving accident is released from prison after only six years.
But through this premise, and the divide between self-destructive, drunk Freddy and the guilt-ridden, morose John Booth, Penn paints his characters sometimes into corners even when things become most intriguing.
It's about a man, Jack Nicholson, who is obsessed with killing the ex-con who ran over his little girl several years ago.The pacing is excruciatingly slow and the story line self-absorbed.
However nothing is that simple.Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson and David Morse are pretty much going to be worth a look as they are all pretty intense actors when given the material to work with.
Huston is given nothing of value to do and the inclusion of Robin Wright Penn can surely be nothing but nepotism.Overall there is a good film in here somewhere, but this is not it.
A fine movie, with excellent performances by Nicholson and Morse.The unspoken and stoic pain endured by David Morse's character is effectively portrayed by Morse.
"The Crossing Guard," written and directed by Sean Penn, was originally scheduled for release in late 1994 but gathered dust for a year before hitting movie screens.
The film, about a father determined to kill the man who killed his daughter in a car accident, is a humiliation; a series of dreary, often unrelated scenes stitched together to resemble a feature.There is no drama  (not genuine, anyway), and, worst of all, Jack Nicholson, who I never would have believed could embarrass himself, demonstrates that even the best actor needs a good director.
Operating with no direction at all, Nicholson gives his worst performance since "Hell's Angels on Wheels." Only David Morse, the baby-faced doctor from TV's excellent "St. Elsewhere," distinguishes himself with a controlled characterization worthy of a decent script.Although I do not question his sincerity with this project, Sean Penn really should stick to acting, and if he refuses to abandon his writer/director pretensions, the least he could do is hire actors whose abilities are as limited as his own.
Freddy Gales daughter is killed by drunk driver John Booth so guess which character THE CROSSING GUARD portrays in a sympathetic light ?
Sub-plots detract from the main narrative, with Robin Wright a colorless love-interest for convict David Morse and Anjelica Huston lost in a confusingly-written role as Nicholson's ex-wife.
For six agonizing years, Freddy Gale(Jack) has waited for John Booth (David Morse), The man jailed for a crime that smashed Freddy's life.
I cannot take my eyes off Jack Nicholson !David Morse (The Rock , The good son & The Green mile) is a very underrated actor.
The movie casts Jack Nicholson as Freddy Gale, out to get drunk driver John Booth (David Morse), who accidentally killed his daughter.
Uneven piece from director Sean Penn has moody jeweler Jack Nicholson swearing revenge on the man (David Morse) who killed his daughter while driving drunk.
There is one scene further on in the film where Nicholson's character, in a conversation with his ex-wife, portrays some genuine grief and pain, but his portrayal up to that point completely belies that.
The completely contrived and unbelievable ending brings to mind Oscar Wilde's quote that "one would have to have a heart of stone not to dissolve into tears ...of laughter." Sean Penn should stick to his day job of acting and stay away from writing and directing..
With a powerful script and an amazing foursome of actors The Crossing Guard should have been a contender for one of 1995's best drama's, though a few elements get in the way of achieving this.Sean Penn's sophomore attempt behind the scenes yields striking promise, though some scenes flow in a rather hit and miss way.
Surprisingly the script is quite decent as well, producing it's fair share of memorable lines.Nicholson, as usual in a film where he is the star, commands and demands nearly all the attention, though at times the over-reaching nature of his talents do begin to seep through the emotional core of this revenge-minded redemption picture..
Sean Peen directed Jack Nicholson in what I consider his last truly exceptional performances, this film and "The Promise".
This is film is somewhat more accessible than the other, and has an ending that can almost be called 'upbeat'.This is an odd film; none of the characters are very likable, but by the end, we find something to like in every one of them; or at least forgive.Penn gives Nicholson, as a father of a manslaughter victim, plenty of opportunity to over-act and chew the scenery, which he takes advantage of on occasion.
Sean Penn's directorial efforts are predictable or hackneyed in places (the strip club/loss of morals metaphor), but the devices DO work, especially when delivered by Jack's absorbing performance -- this role underscores how Nicholson embraces his characters from the inside out.
regardless of nicholson's usual great performance, the movie was so bad, i had to stop the tape...can't discuss any further for i am trying to repress all memories of this film..
If You're Gonna Kill Him, Then Kill Him. David Morse must have watched the Nicholson/Brando dungheap, 'The Missouri Breaks', before shooting began on Sean Penn's 'The Crossing Guard'.
Whatever the case, the tone of this scene fatally damages a well-meaning movie.To explain: Freddy Gale (Nicholson) has come to kill John Booth (Morse) for running over young Emily Gale while driving drunk.
Clearly, Penn has a passion for this "I want vengeance for my dead daughter" story, since he wrote, directed, and produced 'The Crossing Guard' and also won an acting Oscar for 'Mystic River' (with its similar subject matter).
There could have been a couple less bar scenes, as we know from the first several (and there were MANY) that Nicholson's character Freddy, was in a deep depression over the death of his daughter and his life was going nowhere.
I found it amusing that the 'bad guy' so to speak, John Booth (Morse) was having a better time in his life than Freddy (Nicholson) was.
This is a surprisingly good and strong movie.Incredible scenes,brilliant acting specially by Morse and Nicholson and a beautiful and incredibly touching ending.This one deserves highest praise.;) Way to go Sean,keep it up!.
How 2 people...both father and drunk driver...deal with their hate and guilt after the death of the daughter...is not a feel-good movie.
Still, Penn's second film is good but it's no breakthrough like his recent new movie "Into the Wild".
this film was amazing.it's basically a story of loss,revenge,redemption and forgiveness.there are two main characters, for both of whom redemption and forgiveness seem impossible.both have suffered loss,but only one seeks revenge.the movie tells the story of how our main characters get to the point of redemption and forgiveness,and it's not how you'd think.at least it wasn't for me.Jack Nicholson puts in what i would call a career performance here,as does David Morse.Sean Penn wrote the script and directed the movie.he did a masterful job in both areas.it's emotionally very powerful,and i shed some tears in some scenes.the only downside i can think of for this film,is for me,there was a bit too much unnecessary nudity.i realise that there had to be some to give.us an idea of one of the main characters,but i think it went a bit overboard.still the rest of the movie is so well done,that i give it a 10/10.
It's been six years since Freddy's daughter was killed tragically a manslaughter case committed by John Booth(David Morse), now Booth gets out of prison and revenge awaits.
Overall this film is a winner due to it's emotional feel that contains so much heartbreak and search for peace within one's heart, with Jack Nicholson at his powerful best make this a must see..
Legendary Actor Sean Penn's Criminally Under-Rated 'The Crossing Guard' is an astonishing, powerful Human Story, that leaves a terrific impact.
Jack Nicholson stars as a man who lost his daughter five years ago to a drunk driver.
Nicholson's performance is uneven - he has a lot of good to great scenes, but there are times when he overacts, as well.
The day has finally arrived, when the man, John Booth (Morse, in one of his best ever performances) who accidentally ran down his daughter, is coming out of the pen.
Sean Penn, of course, better actor than director (I mean he's a great director, but his acting quality is so high) makes good films with real stories.
The daughter of Freddy Gale (Jack Nicholson) was killed in an accident by John Booth (David Morse).
One of these individuals is Jack Nicholson's Freddy Gale; a man, whose daughter is Emily and who was killed in that driving incident five years ago, whom is initially revealed as someone combating whatever grief he experiences by frequenting strip clubs so as to meet with his equally sleazy colleagues and which usually leads to the spending of a night with one of the performers.
Jack Nicholson, David Morse, Angelica Huston and Robin Wright make for an interesting foursome, I'll say that.
Written and directed by Sean Penn, this film's focus is on Freddy Gale(Jack Nicholson), who's daughter was killed by a drunk driver.
However it wasn't until the credits rolled on The Crossing Guard that I knew Mr. Sean Penn himself had directed and wrote this powerful film and kudos to him because he did an incredible job.
I am still completely confused by the title...I mean I get that The Crossing Guard watches Nicholson's character as he almost makes his kill but other than that I don't make the connection.
Jack Nicholson plays Freddy Gale, the completely distraught, hopelessly depressed and lost father of a young girl killed by a drunk driver that spiraled his life into hopelessness.
I have never seen Nicholson embrace a character like this and take the film goer on such an incredible ride of emotions.
I look forward to every film with Jack Nicholson because let's face it, the man is one of the great actors of our time.
The character of Freddy Gale, played by Nicholson, is out to avenge his daughter's death by a drunk driver, played by the very good actor David Morse.
On the other hand, Jack Nicholson overacts rather badly, his character is a hate filled jeweler bent on killing the drunk driver (Morse) who caused the death of his daughter.
Worth a look, go in realizing Sean Penn isn't able to really bring off the story, but manages to get some good performances out of his actors--too bad he couldn't control Nicholson more (who puts in great performances fifty percent of the time, Hoffa was abysmal but As Good As It Gets was as good as any acting gets)..
Everybody in writer & director Sean Penn's "The Crossing Guard" deliver fabulous performances, but this pretentious film is a drag to watch.
I'd call this a film rather than a movie because you only need to watch it once to know you seen it one time too many.
I like Penn (in both his acting roles and 'some' as director - 'Into The Wild' was fantastic), I like Morse and Nicholson is a good addition as well.
David Morse, an incredibly underrated character actor, plays the depressed ex-con who feels a great deal of guilt.
There's a scene where Nicholson character completely breaks down and bawls to Anjelica Huston who is playing his wife.
Unhappily divorced jeweler Jack Nicholson (as Freddy Gale) learns the drunk driver held responsible for the death of his daughter has been released from prison.
She will hook up with writer/director Sean Penn, behind-the-scenes...Nicholson's Freddy continues to get drunk and pick-up arousing strippers.
There are big, competent names attached to "The Crossing Guard" who are big and competent throughout; yet, you may never completely forget who they are and what you're watching.****** The Crossing Guard (9/10/95) Sean Penn ~ Jack Nicholson, David Morse, Robin Wright, Anjelica Huston.
Freddy Gale (Jack Nicholson) licks his chops; vows to his wife Mary (Angelica Huston) he's going to kill this killer of his daughter - Booth ran her down accidentally on a school crossing; his jail time was for that manslaughter.
From producer/writer/director Sean Penn, I didn't really know what to expect with this film I didn't know anything about, about from the lead actor and it being rated four stars, and that for me was enough.
Basically Freddy Gale (Jack Nicholson) has waited for six for the man responsible for killing his daughter in a hit and run, John Booth (David Morse), to be released from prison, and that day has come.