Film Review: Crazy Heart

If you don't like country music (I don't) then maybe this film's setting might not appeal to you; however, if you've ever frequented a bar or a small music venue or even watched an E! True Hollywood Story then you might enjoy it more than you think. It is not a country music story nor is it a new story. But, life stories are rarely new....except when we find ourselves settling at the bottom of our own particular history.

Summary: Country music singer Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) finds himself falling into the abyss of too many hours on the road, too many bottles of booze, too many women, and a younger musician (Colin Farrell) making money off his music. The burden of his personal failings are also heavy on his shoulders. It isn't until he meets a news reporter (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and her son, Buddy (Jack Nation ) that he starts to feel alive again. But, as with any alcoholic, there is the moment of poor judgment that leads one, hopefully, to a moment of reckoning and ultimately redemption. Appearing also in the film are Robert Duvall, who sings, and Beth Grant.

As I watched this, I thought of Kris Kristofferson. I saw him perform in a bar in Columbus, Mississippi not long after he had stopped drinking. A better performer appeared before us - better in performance and in appearance than I had last remembered him. While their stories may not be exactly the same, Bad Blake reminded me of Kristofferson.

As with many films, casting can make a huge difference in what might turn out to be an otherwise mediocre story. I think that is the case here. Bridges certainly seemed to inhabit Blake's body and character. Farrell was remarkable as Tommy Sweet, country music's latest music maker. Duvall, Gyllenhaal, and Grant - how could it get any better.

Four of five stars
Now available on OnDemand and Blu-Ray.