By: debbie lynn elias
Wielding some magic of its own at the 2013 Los Angeles Film Festival is Sebastian Silva’s CRYSTAL FAIRY. Any film that has dialogue within the first few moments of the opening scene that describes “Chilean cocaine as not really that good” sets itself up as an immediate attention grabber with a sensibility of subject matter that harkens to the hippie generation of the 1960’s. Starring Gaby Hoffmann and Michael Cera, at first blush, CRYSTAL FAIRY, with its filmic grain and texture, is the visual epitome of what an indie film of the 70’s and 80’s is and was. There is a visual depth and texture that carries the story from the page and performance, making it a sensory experience. And with the CRYSTAL FAIRY, so much of the film is about the senses – the core of Michael Cera’s character, Jamie, and his quest for the San Pedro cactus and the anticipated hallucinogenic experience is completely sensory….as is the Chilean cocaine, weed, etc. which are essential parts of the film.
Jamie is the type of American traveler in a foreign land that gives Americans a bad name. Boorish, insensitive, egomaniacal why anyone even speaks to him is beyond me. Traveling in Chile, Jamie has heard of the hallucinogenic San Pedro cactus and together with a Chilean acquaintance and his two brothers, is determined to embark on a spiritual journey to find the San Pedro cactus and brew up its magical elixir, drinking it on a beach at sunrise. But before they can even start the road trip, Jamie meets a spirited hippie-ish woman named Crystal Fairy at an alcohol and drug fueled bash. Off-handedly inviting her along on the trip, Crystal Fairy agrees to come along – and does – much to Jamie’s chagrin. As the two battle at every turn with Crystal Fairy’s freewheeling, chakra fueled lifestyle going against the grain of Jamie’s OCDC single-minded plan, tables turn, alliances and allegiances shift among the travelers and truths and adventure abound.
CRYSTAL FAIRY rises and falls on Hoffmann and I for one am more than thrilled to see her returning to the big screen with a career resurgence. With a more than earthy vibe going on, the chakra, magic morning moves, chanting, aural healing, etc. demands an earthy physical appearance and costuming of Hoffmann, much of which she personally assisted in selecting. (Gotta say – love the Hindu bells and beads as necklaces and bracelets. Fits the whole 60″s psychedelic drug culture vibe perfectly.) Hoffmann brings a free-flowing persona and attitude to the character but also layers emotional nuance boding fear and secrets. She excels with conveying the fear of the onslaught of groping, grabbing and yelling. You know something is hidden under the surface that is behind such a fearful emotional response that her calming exterior vibe belies.
Cera’s Jamie is beyond annoying and not likeable at all, exuding a despicable, spiteful, arrogant and condescending air to everyone around him. But the character’s persona serves a purpose as it brings the three Silva brothers who co-star as the traveling companions to Jamie and Crystal Fairy, to the forefront and showcases their development going from shy and quiet to more communicative and engaging. Watching the three brothers is one the magical highlights of the film.
Shot on location in Chile, thanks to cinematographer Cristian Petit-Laurent the filmic cinematic visual texture perfectly fuels the tonal bandwidth and the gritty nature of the terrain and the mind-altering rough edged elements of the story. And hello-o! The opening and end title graphics are phenomenal!
CRYSTAL FAIRY weaves her spell over you from beginning to end.
Written and Directed by Sebastian Silva
Cast: Gaby Hoffmann, Michael Cera, Augustin Silva
