Shot in 24 days with a first time writer/director, many skeptics may have forecasted a failure, but with an all-star cast and two unbelievable songwriters, “Crazy Heart” has caught the eyes of many critics.
The younger generation may be set off by the premise of the movie — a look into the life of a nearly out of work, washed up, drunken country artist — but director Scott Cooper had a vision from the beginning and polishes it to perfection. Longing to write a film based on the life of Merle Haggard but unable to lockdown the rights, Cooper was like a conductor without an orchestra until he discovered the novel “Crazy Heart” by Thomas Cobb, which set the desired scene without said rights.
From the soulful country songs with a hint of rockabilly, to the outstanding performance by Jeff Bridges (“The Men Who Stare at Goats”), the movie flows flawlessly from beginning to end. Bridges is faultless in his portrayal of the character Bad Blake .While Bad is practically a deadbeat, Bridges’ acting creates an overwhelming feeling of compassion and empathy in the audience toward his character.
At times it is hard to watch, especially during the couple times he is seen puking or when, in a drunken stupor, Blake creates a scene of panic for his romantic counterpart Maggie Gyllenhaal (“Away We Go”). Despite his struggles, Bridges keeps the audience rooting for him, longing for him to change his ways. At the same time, Bridges sings all of the songs with pure, raw talent.
While Bridges pulls off an outstanding role, Gyllanhaal falls pathetically short. Although Bad Blake is the true alcoholic, Gyllanhaal’s character, Jean, a lowly journalist interviewing Blake during his southwest bowling alley and piano bar tour, seems drunk throughout much of the film. True, she is often times shown drinking with Bad, but even in the scenes where she is supposedly sober, there is a blankness or an air-headedness. It partly fits with her character — the overly done single mom who always trusts the wrong man — but her acting appears weak and dismal. It is disheartening that she has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for this part.
On the other hand, the young actor who plays her son, newcomer Jack Nation, performs strongly and shows he has a promising future. Colin Farrell (“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”) does a nearly believable accent, but his singing is a happy surprise. Robert Duvall (“The Road”) also adds a commendable role.
Although the relationships between Farrell and Bridges and Duvall and Bridges are different, each adds a unique element.
Farrell plays Tommy Sweet, a popular country star, who learned everything he knows from Blake. When he falls on tough times, Tommy offers to let Blake open for him. It is heart wrenching to see how painful and demeaning this situation is for Blake as he defiantly refuses any help. Their relationship is a game of give-and-take in which Tommy realizes he owes Blake everything and Blake refuses to accept what he considers to be charity.
Bridges and Duvall’s relationship is much different. Fishing buddies in a classic man friendship, their bond seems like an older version of a bromance. It is hinted that Duvall has probably saved Blake’s life many times throughout their friendship. Duvall is also the one that Blake turns to during his lowest point, during an incredibly well preformed scene.
Because of the deep relationships, immense talent and strong emotions in the film, it is nearly impossible to guess the movie was filmed in just over three weeks. Add on the award winning musical talent from T Bone Burnett, who helped with “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “Walk the Line,” and it is nearly impossible to fail. With three Oscar nods, many other nominations and several awards already under its belt, “Crazy Heart” is a film full of talent and passion. Even audiences that do not typically enjoy country music will appreciate it.
3 1/2 stars out of 5.
