Crazy Heart (2009)

Genres

Drama, Music, Romance

Director

Scott Cooper

Country

USA

Cast

Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall, Paul Herman, Jack Nation, Ryan Bingham, Rick Dial

Storyline

Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) is a broken-down country singer with an alcohol addiction who is forced to reassess his life after he meets Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a journalist who will discover the real man behind the musician. 

Opinion

I've been meaning to watch Crazy Heart for quite some time because of Colin Farrell but I eventually ended up watching it because of Jeff Bridges. Isn't it funny? Why am I bringing that up? Because the film itself isn't great, but Bridges' performance sure does elevate it so I'm happy he was the reason I watched this film for (also because Farrell is barely in it).

The main reason is the writing. The film tells the story of a washed up singer trying to overcome his addiction and to save what's left of his career. It isn't the most original of the stories, its outcome is very predictable and the development leaves something to be desired. 

Then there is a decent, slow-paced romance that would have been much better if the writers spent some time developing the characters and provided Jean a little back story to make us understand why she is seduced by this older man and why she is so vulnerable. I know the story isn't about her but since she has a huge impact on it, a deeper character was needed.

The direction isn't great either. There are just too many close-ups, probably Cooper was trying to make up for the characters' lack of deepness with some deep shots. However, the calmness and slow-pacing of the movie work quite well.

At last, we have the performances and they really make the watch worth. Jeff Bridges is spectacular as the decadent singer and captures the sorrows of Blake wonderfully. He doesn't overdo the character, he's pretty much Bad Blake. And he also does his own singing, which is impressive. If you haven't seen the movie, I suggest you go listen to the soundtrack; he really sounds amazing. Same goes with Colin Farrell who also gives a good performance (the fangirl in me wanted more of him though). Maggie Gyllenhaal is impressive considering how poor her character is, but was she Oscar worthy? I'm not sure about that.