There is nothing new story wise going on in Crazy Heart, you could really call it The Wrestler but for country music. But like Up In The Air it is so assured of its rythemns with in the film that it makes it so soothing and easy to watch but also heart breaking much like a great country song works.
This film succeeds due to its commanding performances by all involved. The only exception is that Maggie Gyllenhaal seems slightly miscast. Not because of her performance because she is exceptional, well wrought and emotionally honest. But the character feels like her time with Bad Blake should be her last gasp at finding a healthy relationship but when your character is 32 it's hard to think that way.
Colin Farrell who seems to be excluded from all form of marketing for the film puts in a very touching portrayal of friend who has passed his teacher. Farrell and Bridges scene in the restaurant I found to be breathtaking. You could feel Farrell overwhelmed at being in the presence of a hero of his in Bridges and it makes the scene that more remarkable.
Robert Duvall as Bad Blakes only friend gives an energetic performance. A great counter balance to Jeff Bridges. Full of energy and a new view on the world that a recovered alcoholic would encounter on passing through rehabilitation.
But the film belongs to Jeff Bridges. He really is a miraculous actor. From The Last Picture Show, to The Dude in The Big Lebowski and Fearless, I have always found him to be pitch perfect but an actor who doesn't seem to go for the easy way out. His final scenes between Maggie Gyllenhaal are some of the most moving I have seen in the cinema this year. His portrait of a man finally grabbing out for that last bit of fading light is a sight to behold. Sure it's not the transformative work that we have seen nab the best actor gong in the past two years with Daniel Day Lewis and Sean Penn but it is raw, with an emotional directness like a bullet to the the heart that makes it compelling. So a big thank you Mr Bridges and to you Scott Cooper for getting him to sign on to your film.
No comments:
Post a Comment