So it seems that finally the Academy has finally found an excuse to reward actor Jeff Bridges for his prolific career spanding 40 years, in the form of a small story of a down and out country western singer. I am not saying that this isnt the Academy finding any reason to reward the man, i am saying, it is about gosh darn time. (Whether he actually wins, will be decided in two days, despite the obivious nature of it all).
Crazy Heart is the debut feature of director Scott Cooper, telling an small, intimate tale of Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges), a country singer who was once at the height of fame in the music industry, who slowly drifted into obscurity through abuse of the bottle, four failed marriages and various fueds. It is not until he meets a young reporter, Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal), does Blake and his lifestyle come into true question.
This film truly isnt really new, this presents itself as just another down-and-out tale that in turn makes for excellent Oscar bait. Some notable films of this nature includes Mike Figgis’ 1995 film Leaving Las Vegas, which garnered star Nicolas Cage a Best Actor Oscar for convincingly drinking himself to death in a kooky yet shokcing manner, as well as Darren Aronofsky’s 2008 film The Wrestler, which starred Mickey Rourke as a down-and-out Wrestler struggling to make a comeback, which SHOULD have garnered Rourke a Best Actor gong for its raw, almost auto-biographical portrayal (only to be beaten by a camp Sean Penn, BOO).
Now, Jeff Bridges has been nominated for his portrayal of Bad Blake and this year seems a complete shoo-in to win, and while he well deserves to win for his fantastic career, does his Bad Blake warrent a gong? The answer - YES.
For a genre that seems to have been done and awarded time and time again, what makes Bridges performance yet another award winner? It is because he completely envelopes Blake, making a believable, natural and layered performance. This is no surprise, due to Bridges remarkable talent to disappear into a broad range of characters and yet makes them completely believable. Whether he is a an arrogant radio host, an alien from another world, a stoner who is trying to replace his rug, a pissed off cowboy, a psycho killer, a traumatised survivor and in this case, a drunk country singer, he managed to disappear with fantastic ease.
The film itself rides on the performance of Bridges, without him would have very little to show for it. A different actor as Blake, would have most likely failed, and in turn, the movie fail too. While i am not the biggest country music fan, the mere fact that Bridges urged that original music be used and played onscreen makes for a big winner for the film, adding extra depth and believability to the story, what with the lyrics being quite repesentative of Blake and especially the fact that Bridges sings the songs (Bridges despite being an actor, plays music on the side).
In the other areas of the film, there isnt too much to look at. Maggie Gyllenhaal makes for good support, but nothing too groundbreaking. Colin Farrell is also solid as Blakes friend/apprentice/superstar/enemy Tommy Sweet, who also sings and plays his own instruments to great effect. Robert Duvall, a producer, who also starred in a similar role to Bridges almost 30 years ago in Tender Mercies, pops up as a friend of Blakes, but nothing too important.
The cinematography is simple, but captures the country essence of the landscape which Blake tours. The music by T-Bone Burnett, of course, works well with the story, giving a great authenticity. Cooper shows with this debut his love of the area of America he grew up with, and you can feel it quite prevailently.
In the end, it is not groundbreaking cinema, and it is not something we have not truly seen before, but it does differ itself enough for enjoyment. However it is Bridges award worthy performance is what will keep people watching. He is as compelling as he has ever been, and finally…FINALLY getting the award recognition he so deserves. Kudos Mr Bridges, kudos!!!
3.5/5
