Friday, February 26, 2010

Crazy Heart (2009)

The expectation: I was raised country, so this film did not immediately call out to me. I almost cringed actually. But, I knew I had to give it a chance because of the rave reviews I had heard not only from 'those critics out there' but also by the people I know. So, a country singer who has hit rock bottom and is looking for career redemption- and gets a taste of character, a chance to learn , love and live- for real this time. Sound like a movie you have seen before?

The result: Before going to see this film, a friend of mine said to me- this is a story you have seen many times before, it is the performances that make this one stand out. And he was right. Jeff Bridges as Bad Blake (aka Kris Kristofferson) is crude, sloppy, drunk, smelly, sweaty, and alone. He is riding the wave of previous fame- living in the shadow of his former opening act, traveling the country to play dive bars to an older crowd who enjoy his performances out of nostalgia. Blake just wants to stay drunk, make lots of money on previous fame, and not really work at it. He is contrasted by Colin Firth's Tommy Sweet, the younger, more pop- international country heartthrob (what those discerning audiences want today), and Maggie Gyllenhaal makes an appearance as Blake's love interest, a single mom who has 'hope' in Blake. Through interactions with these characters, Blake is given chances at redemption- but of course he doesn't really succeed until it is too late to cash in on the opportunities that really matter. And that is the sacrifice of a country music star. When you can't really attain the happiness you seek, that you hunger for, and that you deserve, you can always turn all that pain into a song (one that will make lots of money!)
But really, Bridges is excellent. You fall in love with his sweaty, drunk performance, and you want him to succeed. The film is shot with superb grace and all supporting characters do what they should- adequately support. It is a story you have seen before but it almost feels like maybe you haven't- and that is an accomplishment.

What to look out for:
Oh, the soundtrack. Classic country music. It works.
A surprise appearance by Robert Duvall who fits in almost perfectly as Blake's good friend.
And of course, the only time we laughed out loud-and were reminded that this film was set in Texas- Jean's (Gyllenhaal) little boy's name is 'Buddy'. That is classic country.

Flickr photo by egorick