Movie review: Crazy Heart
By Megan Carroll
Scott Cooper’s directorial debut, Crazy Heart, is a tired storyline that is only brought back to life through a spectacular performance by Jeff Bridges. Crazy Heart is based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb and includes a phenomenal score produced and written by T-Bone Burnett.
Bridges plays Bad Blake, a 57 year-old alcoholic country music singer/songwriter who has allowed his addiction to run his life. Once was a star of country music, a mentor to many, and one of the greats, he now earns a modest living playing one night gigs and living on the road alone or in cheap motels. He spends more time drinking than singing, and even less time writing.
Lost and full of guilt and regret, Blake blindly and sarcastically stumbles through his daily existence. However, all of this soon changes when he meets Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a young divorced journalist with a four year-old son, Buddy (Jack Nation). This relationship is the motivation that Blake needs to get his life and career back on track, but we soon find out that old demons are never that easy to shake. As he struggles down the road to redemption, Blake learns that life will never be easy, but can be satisfying and worth it.
It is hard to pay proper homage to Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of Bad Blake. He brings his extensive knowledge, cunning, untailored charisma and humble brilliance to what I feel is his defining role. He is so attuned to ever feature of this character that you are lost within the two. Even though the storyline was played-out, Cooper lets you experience Blake’s slow revitalization right along with him.
The dry climate, dramatic red rock landscapes and empty flatlands of the US southwest were beautifully portrayed in the film. The stark environment only added to the desolate life Blake was living. The score at times felt more bluesy than country, which should be no surprise if you are aware of Burnett’s extensive and eclectic musical background. T-Bone Burnett and Ryan Bingham have been nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Song for The Weary Kind and it is well deserved.
This film is more forgiving to its characters than real life, but Crazy Heart is a beautiful portrait of a man unknowingly searching for redemption. The performance by Jeff Bridges can not be missed.
