"Crazy Heart" DVD

"Crazy Heart" was written by Thomas Cobb and, although I haven't yet read his novel, I'd heard a lot about the movie so I decided to check it out. Jeff Bridges portrays "Bad" Blake, a country music singer who is in his 50's and down on his luck but looking for a way to climb out. He used to write incredible songs and sings all his own original songs in the dives he's now performing at -- mostly one night stands leaving him traveling during the day to get to the next night's gig. He's under pressure from his manager and a younger country music star (who he helped get his start) to write more songs. They tell him that's where the money is -- write songs for the younger star to perform.

There's a problem, though, because Blake spends too much time smoking and drinking booze and it's affecting his work plus he's not able to find inspiration for new songs.

He appears to have spent a lifetime running from relationships - marriages and a son (now in his late 20's) who he hasn't seen since he was 4 years old. Although we get a glimpse of the women who offer themselves to him at every stop, none of them are serious until he meets a young reporter (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal) whose uncle asks Blake to allow her to interview him as a favor to the uncle. She's a single mom with a four year old son and Blake is drawn to her and she to him and they attempt to have somewhat of a long-distance relationship. Blake manages to ruin that with his drinking but it's the impetus he needs to ask a friend (Robert Duvall) for help getting sober (something a doctor couldn't get him to do after he is involved in a one car rollover accident. The doctor tells him his drinking and smoking and general lifestyle are leading him to an early death.) Sobriety leads to a new life for Blake with new songs and an upsurge in his career and finances.

Incredible performances by Bridges and Gyllenhaal!

pazt