Review of Crazy Heart (2009) by Justin M — 21 Jan 2011

This solid, entertaining film is nothing more or less than a terrific showcase for the brilliant Jeff Bridges. He's always been a master at underplaying and understating his characters, resonating depth and humanity in even the thinnest written characters.

Here he gets to play a boozing, charming country singer who is down on his luck but is trying to put his life back together. It's an ancient cliche if ever there was one, and the overfamiliar story lacks few surprises or edge.

But that's where Bridges comes in, classing this thing up in the extreme. He is effortless, making us care about his Bad Blake despite his shortcomings. Bidges brings an unwavering humanity to every spoken word, every gesture.

It's easy to see why he received his long-overdue Oscar for this role. Maggie Gyllenhaal is superb as the love interest. Robert Duvall, one our greatest living actors, shows up in a winning supporting role.

Irish Colin Farrell gives us a far more convincing Southern accent than he tried to sport in 'Miami Vice,' and continues to show why he is an under-rated actor. Director/writer Scott Cooper gives us some lovely music (created for the film by the legendary T-Bone Burnett) and tells this story with heart and humor.

And it's very satisfying to know that no matter how predictable a path the movie may walk, Bridges' flawless performance will keep us tuned in.