Crazy Heart

I am not the first to observe that this movie is what The Wrestler wanted to be- but The Wrestler was too brutal to accomplish the feelings that this film leaves the viewer with. It is a story of an aging, alcoholic singer (Bad Blake played by Jeff Bridges) who never shows up late to a gig, even if it is at a bowling alley. He resents the success of a protoge (oddly well played by Colin Farrell), though in his heart he knows that drinking has killed his career. And with a sweetness at his core, he falls in love with women. When he falls for a local reporter at a gig, played by the hangdog and miscast Maggie Gyllenhaal, he convinces himself that he can be a success as a husband and stepfather. He does well, and almost makes it, except for what alcohol does to his judgment. Bridges is wonderful- one believes that he is capable of loving and being loved. He comes through the film and (at least for now) grows into the man he could have been all along. This film isn't really about music- it's about alcoholism. The music is great and the acting is great. The weak link is Gyllenhaal- this is a role that someone like Maura Tierney could have done- but Gyllenhaal's droopy and plain face doesn't inspire any emotion for her, and to make that character work- you'd have to believe this woman was a little wild with passion and distraction. No one in their right mind lets their kid be babysat by a late middle aged raging alcoholic! This film was a great character study and was very believable. I give it 4 stars.