Audience: NYT
Jeff Bridges—The Lifeblood of “Crazy Heart”
We go to the movies to get away from reality for a few hours of entertainment. Yet in films like “Crazy Heart,” the gritty, harshness of reality is thrown back in our faces (along with quality dramatic and musical entertainment.) Jeff Bridges plays the washed up country singer Bad Blake with unflinching honesty, revealing the repulsiveness of alcoholism and chain-smoking. Combined with a dash of his usual crowd-pleasing humor, Bridges makes a mediocre movie a masterpiece.
The film follows Blake on his post-success tour as he plays in bowling allies and bars. To capture the filth of Bad Blake’s lifestyle, the cinematography includes frequent close ups on Bridges at his worst moments: drinking bare-chested in a dirty hotel, smoking cigarettes in the glow of a television, and vomiting into the toilet in his underwear.
With all of Blake’s blatant vices, it’s a stretch that the attractive journalist Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal) falls for him during an interview for a story. Playful banter between Bridges and Gyllenhaal eventually develops: “This is my serious look” Bridges jokes as Gyllenhaal’s interview takes an intimate turn. But however endearing the dialogue comes across, it doesn’t distract from the cringe worthy physical relationship. The age and body shape discrepancy between the two, not to mention Blake’s perpetual booze breath, makes for an awkward bodily chemistry.
Blake’s relationship with Craddock’s four year old son, Buddy, is more believable, in addition to being a predictable plot device. Blake’ irresponsible inattentiveness while drunk ultimately leads to the end of his relationship with Craddock. Still, the boy and Blake have entertaining interactions, such as Blake pushing Buddy on the swings with one crutch while recovering from a car accident.
A refreshing addition to the film’s dismal outlook are the musical numbers sung by Bridges himself and Colin Farrell as Blake’s old band mate turned country star. Both actors showcase their hidden musical talents while performing foot-tapping soft-sung tunes such as “Fallin’ &Flyin’” and “The Weary Kind,” which went on to win best original song at the Academy Awards.
The film’s rhythm slows towards the end as Blake sobers up. The ending is drawn out and contrived, rushing through the beautiful scenes where a clean Bad Blake strums out melancholy songs on his guitar, dappled in sunlight hitting the back porch.
As a whole “Crazy Heart” is not a memorable story, thin on plot and originality. Yet the richness Jeff Bridges brings to the main character makes the film an emotional ride. Towards the beginning of their relationship, Blake admits to Craddock, “I was never famous for charm.” Nonetheless Bridges plays the flaw riddled character with appropriate humor and feeling, bringing an outstanding realness and likability to the film. Bridges’ performance was appropriately rewarded with a best actor win at the Academy Awards.
Kampf der Titanen (2010)
9 years ago
I like how emphasize Bridges- he's definitely the heart of the story. I don't know if it so much shows how repulsive alcoholism and smoking is as making the audience pity him, but that's probably a matter of opinion. Good quote usage, and I feel that you covered the whole story pretty well in a short piece. It would have been good to mention the harshness of reality again at the end to tie back to the lede, but overall nicely done, concise review!
ReplyDeleteThere may be a little too much plot description throughout, but your focus on Bridges' acting prowess is great. He was clearly the driving force of the film, making a stale subject more interesting than I (and most critics) thought it could be.
ReplyDeleteTouching on the soundtrack was vital for the movie, and you did a great job emphasizing its importance. Nice Work!
Yes!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I love your title.
You do a great job of conveying the overall feeling of this movie, especially in your closing paragraph. Most of the movie is cliche but Jeff Bridge's acting really saves it.
I love how you use the Bad Blake quote in your closing paragraph to make your final point.
Well done!
I agree with ricky, there might be too much focus on the plot, but the overall feel of the movie is correct. Jeff Bridges was the one person that made this film truly enjoyable to watch. I like how you added the quote "i was never famous for charm" because i believe Bridges' character and performance in the film charmed everyone. Good review :)
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