(18 May 2012)

Perfect Package

I finally watched Crazy Heart (2009) with Jeff Bridges, Robert Duvall and Maggie Gyllenhaal about 2 weeks ago. I've been wanting to see this movie since I first heard about it last Fall. I kept trying to rent it from Redbox but it was always "checked out" when I searched for it during the first few weeks of its DVD release. Obviously I wasn't alone in my desire to see Jeff Bridges' Oscar-winning performance as a lonely and emotionally broken country singer named Bad Blake.Immediately from the opening visual shot of the film, I had a sense that I was going to like this movie. The photography was absolutely brilliant throughout the film, along with the production design, writing, acting and music. Jeff earned his Oscar with this performance. I was so enthralled with the visual shots that I looked up the Director of Photography (DP) for the film on imdb.com while I was watching. I just had to know who was behind this visual smorgasbord of cool shots and great lighting. Turns out it was Cinematographer Barry Markowitz. I've only seen one of his previous films that he has shot: All The Pretty Horses (2000) with Matt Damon, which I can't say was memorable. But I was very impressed with Markowitz's eye on this film.As far as the story, I was continually interested in the unraveling of Bad Blake's persona, his past, and his relationships. I wonder more and more why it seems that great musicians, artists, and other creative people often have drug and alcohol problems. It seems to be a common theme I've seen in much of the great art and music I love. Is it the artist's success, or lack of success, that drives them to drink or take drugs? Is it the work, i.e. the creations that they are bringing forth that cause them to turn to substances? Or is it their psychology and life experiences, good and bad? One has to ask the question I think of whether being creative causes substance abuse or whether substance abuse causes being creative? When I look at great music from Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix and so many other musicians that was created while they were on something, I wonder if we would have that great music if they hadn't been high or drunk. I'm not going to pretend that I have the answers to these questions, but part of watching Crazy Heart for me was re-visiting these questions for myself and simply appreciating artists for who they are, flaws and all.What I love about a movie like Crazy Heart is that it feeds my soul and my passion for wanting to tell stories through film. It's filled with interesting characters, stories and details that makes life rich and worthy of sharing. They aren't all nice and neat details, but some of them are flawed and f**ked up. But that's what life is. It doesn't all fit into a perfect package. Sometimes the greatest gifts come with the greatest flaws.

Mark Shipskie (17 May 2012)

No Place for the Weary Kind

Bad Blake, effortlessly played by Jeff Bridges, is the stereotypicalbroken down alcoholic country singer. He drives himself from town totown in a beat up truck playing bowling alleys and out of the way honkytonks, staying in flea bag motels all for the sake of supporting hisaddiction. In an opening scene Bad is in a liquor store, nearly broketrying to figure out the best bargain on cheap booze so he can performthat night. Luckily the owner recognizes him and proudly gives him abottle of his favorite whiskey not realizing the desperate state thesinger is in. Despite his condition Bad is a professional and managesto make it to the stage and perform night after night although hisremaining hard core fans are happy just to see him in front of amicrophone. In Santa Fe Bad agrees to an interview with a local writer Jean, playedby Maggie Gyllenhaal , a single mom half his age who immediatelystrikes him as something beautiful in the ugly world that his life hasbecome. He charms her and her four year old son and an unlikely romanceensues. Whether Jean is naive or in denial about his drinking isunclear, she simply asks him not to drink around her son. Problemsinevitably arise.Although the plot is familiar, what sets Crazy Heart apart is itshonest and unflinching portrait of alcoholism. There is nothingromantic about a musician or anyone else that doesn't want to but hasto drink to make it through the day. Bad is simply a man like any otheralcoholic who must hit his bottom before making a decision to change. With his fifth nomination, Jeff Bridges appears to be a lock for theAcademy Award. He is not just competent performing his songs he isbelievable. Bridges is that rare talented actor who never appears to beacting and he seamlessly incorporates that talent into his singing andplaying. His unforgettable performance alone is worth a recommendationto see the film.

Sandy (13 May 2012)

Jeff brings Bad Blake to life.

This was a good movie and probably way too true for many who have lived the life. Jeff really brings the BB to life and makes even the salty BB a little more likeable.Hard to see Jeff in this movie....without the charizmatic smile and sense of humor but he did a fine protrayal of the aging musician. Just proves that he is a very versital actor and a much underrated actor. He deserved the award!

(13 May 2012)

Crazy Heart delivers with Best Actor Jeff Bridges' performance!

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TWINKY 1989 (11 May 2012)

DVD RELEASE APRIL 20 TH

HES A DRUNK SMOKER LANGAUGE BARRIOR LOSER ,IM GLAD IM NOT LIKE THAT, HE LOOKED LIKE A WASHED UP WAYLON GENNINGS HE WOULD BARELY EAT AND SPEND MOST OF THE TIME UPCHUCKING OR DRUNK. OK NOW FOR THE MOVIE IM NOT TO KEEN ON COUNTRY MUSIC I WAS GONNA SKIP THIS BUT THE REGAL PULLED IT LAST WK AND MARCUS GOT IT. SO IT IS A ALMOST 2 HR FILM. LIFE ON THE RD WHILE TOURING. FINDING OUT ABOUT HIS LIFE WILE IT IS GOING DOWN THE TUBES, COLIN F SURPRISED ME OF HIS SINGING UNLESS ITS ALL LYP SYNC, I GIVE THIS FLICK 3 STARS OPN BEING A DESCENT FILM THE LANGUAGE IS KINDA STRONG.

(10 May 2012)

Crazy Heart DVD

This review is from: Crazy Heart (DVD) I ordered the movie Crazy Heart and was definitely happy with the movie, the manner and speed in which it arrived, and also the price.I will always order movies, books and CD's from Amazon.com.

(05 May 2012)

This was like wow!

When the movie ended I was taken aback by the scene. The kind offeeling we wish we get after every movie ends; the kind of feeling weget when great movies end. Not something very unusual but definitelysomething surprising. Its because of the slow and scattered way inwhich the script has been developed. And there have been many suchtouching moments in the film when one feels getting transcended. Therehas been a lot of appreciation for Jeff Bridges, which is welldeserved. But Maggie Gyllenhaal is was equally good, despite a smallerrole. Romance was built slowly, realistically and sensually. It wasreally muah!!! The script, cinematography, acting, dialogues ......everything fell into place. But slowly.Definitely worth Oscar nomination. Crazy heart is the kind of new agecinema that has subtle nuances of emotions of regular people of day today life along with a meaningful progression of the story. If youappreciate this kind of cinema, this movie is for sure a gem for you.8.5 / 10

doctorsmoothlove (04 May 2012)

A movie at the wrong time.

Preface: This was a difficult film review to write as I don't know verymuch about love, old age, or country music. Whenever I find reviewshard to conceptualize, I write the first paragraph in my mind while onmy nightly walk. "Shutter Island" took me two two-mile walks tocomplete before pressing the keys on my laptop. "Crazy Heart" was worthfour walks for the first two paragraphs. I tried to be moreconversational with this one, assuming you know something about themovie. I used to hide my creative deficiencies behind culturalcritiques, and now I've incorporated them more effectively into thearticle.Bad Blake is the reason modern country music was sanitized. He's theepitome of what a lot of over-protective people would find distastefulin their singers. He's not aspiring to be anyone's role model, though.The man's hardened belly fat hangs out of his unbuttoned shirt andalcohol is always on his breath. He lives almost exclusively in motelsand chases women. The only noteworthy feature of this washed up oldfart is his country music. People find something admirable in it andflock to his performances and buy his CDs.Crazy Heart is the story of Bad Blake sometime late in his life. I'mtold he is actually portrayed by Jeff Bridges, but I'll be damned if Ididn't think Blake was playing Bridges. Whoever it is in the title roledoesn't only look the part of an ole timey singer, but makes you thinkhe really is one. Maybe Blake could have been a movie star and Bridgesa country singer.The Blake we see is now is happy to travel from bowling alleys to barsplaying for his aging fans. He can indulge in their effervescentadoration for free booze and sex. The first part of the movie isactually little more than his mundane day-to-day life. Things pick whenhe meets pretty reporter Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal) who asks hima few questions about his life and music. Blake tries to answer a fewquestions and before mesmerizing her and the audience with the quote "Ican't believe how bad you make this room look". It has to be one of thebest pick up lines nobody thought of and really shows off his talentsas a songwriter. The line sells the film as the almost-biopic Bridgesand Blake make it to be.But he moves on and plays the role of special guest for a modern singerwhose songs he writes. He keeps in touch with Jean and they startdating. She even visits him at his home, where he eventually proceedsto lose her child while at the mall. Their relationship comes to asudden end and he writes a song about redemptive romance called "CrazyHeart".Bad Blake is too settled at the point in his life that we see. I wouldhave much preferred to see him in his glory days. A lot of Crazy Heartis well-acted nothingness interrupted by various occurrences thatspring action into place. Take when Blake crashes his car and Jeanmeets him in the hospital. This haphazard results in their reconnectionthat moves the stagnant story forward. She takes him home and he bondswith her son. He loses the kid and they break up. He tries to findsolace by going sober, while she finds a more reliable (not analcoholic) boyfriend.Maybe, if Blake had died, his film would have the emotive effect of TheWrestler. The latter has the same type of character in a morechallenging and symbolic setting. Bad Blake is placed in a world of hisown, and we are forced onto him. This is a curious case of an otherwiseineffectual movie only worth watching because of the impressiveperformance of its leading actor. Recommended

Tranquilo (04 May 2012)

WORST MOVIE EVER

If you'd like to watch a man puke, chain smoke and wear the same sweaty clothes for days on end, this is the movie for you. There's not one salvageable thought or action in this disaster. Not one.

Eric D. Snider (03 May 2012)

As usual, Bridges makes it look easy, ramblin' along through this ramblin' story as if it takes no effort at all to create a three-dimensional character out of nothing.

Rogue-32 (02 May 2012)

Not so crazy and a lot of heart

So here we have Bridges doing what he does so brilliantly in every filmhe's ever appeared in - effortlessly sucking us in to his story, makingus care, through the sheer easy confidence of his presence.It's this deceptive (and rare) quality which has caused him to beexcruciatingly under-appreciated for years, and as a longtime fan, I'mthrilled that he's finally being given some props, in the form of thegreat reviews for his performance and of course all the Best Actorawards he's gotten thus far, which I hope will culminate in his winningthe Oscar on March 7th. As others have said, it would also be alifetime recognition award, and there's nobody working in films todaywho is more worthy.It's hard to separate the film from Bridges' performance, since in thiscase his performance IS the film. T-Bone Burnett's music is excellent,Maggie Gyllenhaal is wonderful as always, the little boy who plays herson is adorable and Colin Farrell gives a unexpectedly effective turnas the country music star Blake mentored, but every frame of CrazyHeart belongs to Bridges, plain and simple.He sort of evokes a cross between Kris Kristofferson and Nick Nolte inhis performance, but it's genuinely heartfelt nonetheless, not acaricature. As always, he gets inside the character, inhabiting himfrom a profoundly deep place, and it's this quality which makes what hedoes seem so effortless - by becoming the person so completely, sointimately, we forget he's acting but rather we feel as if we're almostintruding on his life in a voyeuristic way when we watch him. Crazy Heart isn't a great movie by any stretch - it gets hugelysimplistic toward the end - but it's good enough to leave us feelingthat we've experienced something authentic, that we've spent time withsomeone worthwhile.

Scott (01 May 2012)

Well worth your time & $$$!

This film does what a film is supposed to do. It keeps you emotionally attached from start to finish. If you enjoy shoot em up flicks, steer clear. If you enjoy a movie about life and it's crazy twists and turns, don't miss it. The music is way above average as well, if you like country.

top10dude (28 April 2012)

wonderful performances but average film

All the Oscar hype for Jeff Bridges is indeed warranted. In fact, themain reason to see the film has to be to observe his wonderfulperformance. The film itself is typical of most independent fare. It'sslow, meticulous and plodding but still manages to deliver enough tokeep a viewer barely interested. At times, I liked this film betterthan The Wrestler (to which it is often compared) but at times itwasn't as gripping or intense as that film. Overall, it's a pleasantexperience. Bridge's performance reaches greatness even if the storyitself does not. It's well worth the watch for the acting but it'scertainly not a film to own or watch more than once.

Harry T. Yung (27 April 2012)

Pleasantly minimalist and devoid of melodrama

Without wasting a shot, the first sequence lays all the cards on thetable. An over-the-hill (57 as we later discover), alcoholic countrysinger in a banged up pickup arrives in front of a bowling alley cumbar in a desolate town in New Mexico. This down-in-the-dumps gig is theonly thing his agent can offer him, as he still entertains illusions ofgravy trains from his heydays. On the phone, the agent tells him thathis only chance of bringing some life back to a dead career is histalent for writing songs, but said talent seems to have drowned in asea of booze. While he still has some loyal fans, the gig ends in asour note as he disappears in the middle of a favourite number to throwup, and comes back just as the band is finishing the last chord. Still,the loyal fans applause, and he is not ungrateful.While this movie could succumb into having Bad Blake descend into anemotional infernal of ruin or rise in a soaring uplifting redemption.Instead, it is a minimalist portray of a slice of this man's life.There is redemption, but not the sort of living-happily-ever-aftercrowd pleaser, thereby putting it a notch above, say, the "The blindside" (which is itself not such a bad movie, crowd pleasernotwithstanding). "Crazy heart" is the sort of movie that has novillains. If you really want one, it's the protagonist himself. Jean(Maggie Gyllenhaal), a local reporter and young mother with an adorableboy of 4, is the redeeming angel. Old friend Wayne is always there whenneeded, and he himself a redeemed ex-alcoholic capable of fullyempathizing with our protagonist's predicament. Even someone thatinitially sounds like an enemy turns out to be a friend – his protégéTommy (Colin Farrell) who seems to have usurped his place. The truth isof course that he has thrown it away himself while Tommy, alwaysgrateful to his mentor, is doing everything he can to help.Rather than an emotional roller-coaster, this movie gives you adetailed, realistic depiction of the protagonist and his relationshipwith the other characters. First and foremost is of course Jean, andhere the challenge is to make this connection between the two unlikelysoul mates believable. Again minimalism works. Starting with theinterview Bad gives Jean in his motel room, feelings of mutualaffection flow out from the two ever so gently. Even at hisnot-quite-top form, Bad's natural, easy charm is very palpable. Withthat also is his longing, deep down, after four failed marriages, forthe sort of enduring care he never had. With a failed relationship ofher own (for which the movie wisely does not give any detail), Jean'sgentle vulnerability translates into empathy and understanding.Gyllenhaal does a wonderful job with her character, and deserves anOscar from her nomination, although very unlikely to get it.The relationship with Tommy is similarly underplayed, coming across notso much in dialogue as in music, and country music is the best mediumfor projecting this natural, simple friendship. Not to be missed is theduet they perform on stage in Tommy's concert with Bad as the warm-upact. The harmonizing says more about the mutual appreciation andaffection between mentor and protégé than any dialogue can. Bridge'sunassuming characterization of Bad has been recognized by two heavyweight awards, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild (and it's notunexpected that the British BAFTA has gone to countryman Colin Firth).Bridges' Bad Blake has a wide spectrum: miserable but not pathetic;confident but not arrogant. This attentive, human portrayal fullydeserves an Oscar.The beautiful, rugged landscape of the south western country makes astatement on its own.

(27 April 2012)

An imperfect movie that's a must see for fans of Bridges

I woke up and realized one day that Jeff Bridges was perhaps my favorite actor. Or one of them. Growing up with the flashier legends like Pacino and DeNiro, a guy like Bridges just sneaks up on you. Looking back over the movies that are among my favorites, it was eye opening to realize how many he was in. Seabiscuit, The Big Lebowski, and now Crazy Heart.Fans of Bridges should definitely see this movie. He was richly deserving of the Oscar nod. I had no idea that he could play and sing. I find the Bad Blake character to be (mostly) sympathetic and (entirely) believable. And the music is terrific.Robert Duvall, no doubt included as a nod to Tender Mercies, is a welcome addition and delivers as usual.Now, as to why this movie doesn't rate a perfect five stars.I thing Maggie G may be a tad overrated as an actress. I get the younger woman/fading star thing. But I still coudln't buy THAT big of a disparity. A more mature actress, maybe by just 10 years, would have been less startling in the role. It lowered the authenticity of the movie, IMO.The other problem is the believability of an obviously attractive and intelligent woman putting her child in that situation. Even her character admits as much at some point in the movie, but I just couldn't buy it.The other problem I have is Colin Ferrell. Now, I know maybe he was supposed to be "not so believable" since he was contrasted to Blake--so if that's the idea I sort of get it. Can't think of who I would have put there instead, actually, I just know he didn't quite work for me. But then I've never really liked any of his performances so it may vary with your tastes.I can't rate it as a "perfect" five stars, but I can rate it as a "must see" for Bridges fans, and as one of my favorites. I can't WAIT to see Bridges in True Grit.

kgsmyth (26 April 2012)

Well acted, and a story well told.

Crazy Heart is a great movie, based chiefly on the its greatperformances. This story of a down and out country star fightingalcoholism, and the bad choices he makes is a story of personalredemption if not personal triumph. Jeff Bridges was very deserving ofhis Oscar nod as Bad Blake. Bridges takes Blake through lifeexperiences ranging from an his lips drunk to the edge of doom, andback again. Maggie Gyllenhall is also very good as the younger womanwho falls for Blake's charms, until it becomes apparent that Blake isnot able to properly care for himself let alone her or her young son. Iwas also very impressed Colin Farrel as Blake's younger and extremelysuccessful protégé. Robert Duvall also gets the nod for another fineperformance in his impressive resume.The story avoids the superficial happy ending. Blake's triumph is overhis own demons, though he doesn't win the big prize at the end.

Rene Rodriguez (24 April 2012)

Cooper lets you experience Blake's gradual reawakening right along with him, and Bridges' superb performance -- not the slight plot -- carries the weight.

Andreas D (23 April 2012)

Pretty good and well made drama

There aren't so many good movies in last time . Looks like oldtraditions are forgotten and there is coming some new trick with bigbudget and low performance . In this time we can't watch anymore somegood drama and there are so many too bloody horrors and thrillers .Everything is changing but there are some new movies which respect oldvalues . This movie was very well rated and I heard only good thingsabout it . You can watch this movie whenever you want because you canenjoy and always learn something new from this good drama . Therearen't some faults because whole cast was disciplined .Jeff Bridges was as usual very good . He always has some hard roles buthe can act it . I think that it is pretty hard to act some drunkcountry singer . There are always some parts he has to act some hardmoments but he was so realistic . You can learn lot from his role .This movie is quite illuminating and I really like it . I sometimesthink that he wasn't the best in moments when he has to act in someromantic scenes but Jeff is old school actor and I really like hisacting .Other things maybe weren't so good . Robert Duvall and Collin Farrelweren't so much in this movie but I think that Farrel was just like hisrole . With his long hair like real musician . I don't like the endingbecause it was maybe so fast and unconvincing and I think thatBridges's concentration fell down . I didn't like romantic parts whenjournalist had interview and they started kissing . It is definitelygood movie which has the old values .

JohnRouseMerriottChard (23 April 2012)

Whole worlds have been tamed by men who ate biscuits.

Crazy Heart is written and directed by Scott Cooper and based on the1987 novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb. It stars Jeff Bridges,Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell & Robert Duvall. Bridges plays BadBlake, a veteran country singer/songwriter who is down on his luck butalways full of the booze. Embarking on another weary tour of dead-endtowns, his life perks up when he meets young newspaper reporter JeanCraddock (Gyllenhaal) and her son Buddy (Jack Nation).Apparently Bad Blake is based on three real men, Waylon Jennings, KrisKristofferson and Merle Haggard. With Scott Cooper saying he had hopedto make a biopic about Haggard but the rights were too difficult toobtain. Of further interest is that the Cobb novel is actually inspiredby country singer Hank Thompson.Crazy Heart is the type of movie that crops up from time to time thatfinds a wide and appreciative audience. That of the human intereststory that beats a true and uplifting heart. That Crazy Heart has foundthe afore mentioned audience is mainly down to Bridges and his veryaffecting turn as the pathetic drunk resorting to what equates assinging for his beer money. For in truth the story is generic andstraight forward, and one can guarantee you will have seen this before,and done much better in fact. But this is still fine story telling, agood movie propelled by rich characterisations {Gyllenhaal too isexcellent} and paced with almost elegiac precision, that allows thehumanistic elements to carry the audience to a fitting, if notsurprising, finale. There's also value in the music on offer, withmemorable tunes and note worthy renditions given by Bridges andFarrell. Barry Markowitz's photography also blends nicely with thenarrative. His shooting of New Mexico lends itself to beauty and offershope to Blake's future, while the tone down lighting for the dim barsthat Bad is singing in brings to the fore the lowness that the singerhas now reached. Bridges has done far better work than this, but whowould deny him the Oscar for Best Actor that duly came his way atceremony time? It's a great performance, tho, one that totally engagesthe viewers. At times infuriating & pathetic, yet at others he becharming and grasping our pity by the truck load. That both he andGyllenhaal make a believable couple is the best compliment one can givethem both. Their efforts in this movie deserve a look.A simple redemptive story is lifted to greater heights by Gyllenhaalrefusing to let her character be a cipher, and Bridges doingheart-breaking like few others can. 7/10

Geeky Randy (23 April 2012)

Bridges delivers the greatest performance of 2009!

A broken down, drained, has-been country star (Bridges) findsinspiration at rebuilding his career and life from a journalist(Gyllenhaal) and her 4-year-old son (Nation). Jeff Bridges delivers afantastic performance — the best of 2009 — as an all-to-real cranky oldcountry alcoholic, with a singing performance on par with Willis AlanRamsey or Jerry Jeff Walker, and even a touch of the well-loved Dudefrom "The Big Lebowski". Colin Farrell plays a supporting character asthe country star Bad Blake could've been. Farrell too does anastonishing musical performance. The love story is a bit unbelievable,but a solid script and great acting makes your heart melt nevertheless.The acting couldn't be better, but what about the story? The tale of aperson that's more typical than unique makes this film only worthwatching once.*** (out of four)