Crazy Heart
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Colin Farrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall
Director: Scott Cooper
Rating: 4/5
After a career that has spanned decades and five Academy Award nominations Jeff Bridges has finally got his hands on a Best Actor Oscar for his central performance as Bad Blake in Crazy Heart.
Jeff Bridges stars in this drama based on Thomas Cobb's first novel about an alcoholic country singer.
Bad Blake is a broken-down, hard-living country music singer who's had way too many marriages, far too many years on the road and one too many drinks way too many times.
The musician's career is going downhill as he watches his protege's star ascend, but his encounters with a Jean, a journalist that uncovers the man behind the musician, might just keep him from hitting rock bottom.
Jeff Bridges turns in a exceptional performance as Bad Blake, one the greatest central performances of the year, and it thoroughly deserving of the Oscar.
It's Bridges that really elevates the movie to more than it possibly would have been without him as he delivers a heartbreaking performance of a man who is clinging onto the success of the past.
Bad struggles with alcohol as he plays a string of low key gigs while his protege Tommy Steele is selling out arena.
Despite being down on his luck the actor holds onto his passion for music and that is what drives him forward.
And Bridges' musical performances are outstanding and they really uplift the whole piece, the duet with Colin Farrell is great; who knew he could sing?
This is the role of a lifetime for Bridges as he plays it with charisma as well as vulnerability and loneliness, so much so you can't help but like him.
There is also a great supporting performance from Maggie Gyllenhaal as journalist Jean who uncovers the real Bad Blake and falls in love with him.
Gyllenhaal is a very underrated actress and hopefully Crazy Heart will begin to give her the recognition that she so rightly deserves.
The main problem with Crazy Heart is it's a story that we have seen before, it can draw major comparisons with The Wrestler, as Bad tries to hold onto past glories, has driven his family away, and has hit rock bottom.
However the film lacks the emotional punch of The Wrestler, despite a sterling central performance.
And this could be put down to Cooper's inexperience behind the camera, Crazy Heart is his debut feature.
Despite this Crazy Heart is one of those movies that doesn't come along very often it's charming and funny as well as containing a set of stunning performances.
You don't have to be a fan of country music when you go in but I can guarantee that you will consider buying the soundtrack as the credits role.
Crazy Heart is out now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw