Review of Crazy Heart (2009) by Steven M — 10 May 2011

Amongst all of today's bug budget visual spectaculars and superhero tales and action blockbusters and Grindhouse blood and gore, comes a film crafted so simple yet naturalistically, it can feel to some like a really long dry hangover.

"Crazy Heart" is a simple human story, with a very simple plot. It is a story that conveys honesty and poignancy, as we enter the world of Bad Blake; a 58 year old alcoholic country singer with a warm but tainted heart, trying to overcome a troubling past by challenging the.

Lifestyle he has created for himself.

Jeff Bridges is stunning: He seems like he was born to play Bad Blake,and what is even more impressive is that he actually sings and performs all of the songs. His character is so likable: there is a part of Bad Blake that most of would long for, his charismatic and warming charms, his freedom loving demeanor that seems so aloof to have worry in the world, and yet it is obviously clear that he has become his own victim of abuse and indulgences; a sufferer of sentimentality and lost dreams - We are compelled to be sympathetic and almost scream for Bad Blake to clean up his life - and this is the main clutch of the film.

While "Crazy Heart" may be too slow for some, I found it to be refreshing, mesmerizing and beautifully real. It does not try to force empathy or emotion, nor does it develop narrative with awful cliches. "Crazy Heart" will however, stir your emotions and surprise you at the same time. Some may find this frustrating, but I felt like it was profound, intelligent and honest.