Crazy Heart

Crazy Heart is an excellent film about a drunk, washed up country singer on his path to redemption.  The storyline is a little unoriginal and predictable (I found it strikingly similar to the previous year’s hit The Wrestler), but it gets a pass because it serves a greater purpose for the film, which is to get out of the way of its stronger points:  the acting and the music.

While the storyline is formulaic, it is still well written and very well done.  It follows the story beats you would expect in a story about personal redemption versus substance abuse.  The hero, Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) meets the catalyst to his change in the form of sweet reporter Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal).  A romance buds and, from there, you can probably predict the ups and downs of the relationship and Blake’s struggle.  However, the dialogue and writing is understated nicely and the drama is not blown out of proportion.  Also, it does an excellent job of using simple, but meaningful little scenes to show both sides of the main character:  the sweet, loving man and the destructive substance abuser suffocating him.  These qualities of the writing give the film a much realer feel as well as accomplishing its most important task:  creating a vehicle for great artists to perform.

There are two well-deserved Oscar wins from this film:  Original Song and Best Actor. I’ll start with the acting.  Jeff Bridges is outstanding.  He has an easy manner about him that makes him likeable even when he’s behaving irrationally or destructively.  It is evident in the very beginning of the film, when he gets a drink on his “expense account” only to discover no such account exists… even after he agreed to perform at a bowling alley.  Rather than making a scene, he swallows his pride (and his drink) and pays (even though he’s broke).  While the writing is there with a nice, subtle exchange to show he’s a good guy deep down, Bridges’ performance is what sells it.  The writing is very subtle, and, without the performance, the likeability of the character doesn’t register, and, without that, we have no rooting interest in this character’s struggle, and, therefore, we don’t care about the story (see how fine that line can be?).  In this film, Bridges finds himself square on the correct side of that line, though, and the film shines because of it.

While Bridges is extraordinary, he does not do it on his own.  Gyllenhaal is excellent.  She is charming and likeable from the second she appears on screen, which is crucial to her being the catalyst for Blake’s change.  The rest of the acting is excellent as well and I must say I was impressed with Colin Farrell.  Since Miami Vice, it seemed like he had dropped off the face of the planet and his previous pension for high concept flops made me wary of his acting ability (or role selection) heading into the film.  However, he is very good and, surprisingly, pulls off being a pop country star despite having a real life Irish brogue (not in the movie,).

What really sets this film apart for me, though, is the music.  I’ll admit I’m not a country music fan, but I’m a huge T-Bone Burnett fan (producer).  The man just seems to get music and he is in top form with the soundtrack for Crazy Heart.  As you might expect, it is pretty crucial for a film about a country music star to have some good music in it.  Some films would try to skirt around the issue and play as little original music as possible because, well, not all actors can sing and it’s hard to make hit songs.  In this film, though, music is embraced and celebrated, as it should be.  The only thing that has lasted as long in Blake’s life as alcohol is his music.  It’s integral to his capacity to change, so, in order for this story to make sense, we (the audience) need to see his connection and love of music.  Thanks to Burnett and the great work by the music department, this film delivers on that front.

Crazy Heart is a touching film of redemption with solid writing, great acting, and great music.  Even people who don’t have a taste for country music (like me) can appreciate it in the film and even enjoy it.  Further, all the aspects of the film are sound and it is a very entertaining, enjoyable experience.  I highly recommend it.

If you like this, check out:  The Wrestler or Walk the Line

Scale: 

1-  Lots of Better Movies at Blockbuster   

2-  Might Be Worth Renting

3-  Rent It When You Get to It

4-  A Must Rent, at some point

5-  Put It in Your Queue NOW!

My Rating: 4

Buy Crazy Heart

or Buy its soundtrack Crazy Heart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Ltd. Deluxe Edition)