Review of Crazy Heart (2009) by Filipeneto — 09 Apr 2021

In this film, we follow a drunken and decadent country singer on a journey of self-redemption through love. When he least expected it, he finds in a young aspiring journalist who wanted to interview him a strong and revolutionary love interest that makes him see life with a new spirit and change his bad habits and vices.

For me, to date, it is the most notable film in Jeff Bridges' extensive filmography. He, more than any other, carries the film on his back and assumes an unequivocal protagonism, which he would already have for the character he assumes, but reinforces through a colossal performance. It is worth seeing this film just for him, and to hear the elegant and tuned way in which the actor sang in the film ... and I am not even fond of country. Maggie Gyllenhaal also makes a good contribution and collaborates quite well with the actor.

Technically, the film works quite well but knows how to be discreet, giving the actors the necessary space and the story told to stand out in the public eye. Cinematography is the standard, but it has excellent footage from concerts and musical performances. The soundtrack makes good use of country songs.