With the scent of warm, whisky breath and the soundtrack of country music, “Crazy Heart” tells a captivating story about being strong enough to never give up on life. This charismatic and down-to-earth new film is truly refreshing in today’s excessive-driven film industry. Based on a novel by Thomas Cobbs, this film naturally fulfils its tagline stating “the harder the life, the sweeter the song”. Its simple yet deep plot is remarkably captured through vivid aesthetics, light-hearted language, powerful acting, and soulful music.
“Bad Blake” (nicknamed “Bad”), played by Jeff Bridges, is an aged and washed-up Western country singer who plays small gigs in bars and bowling alleys, while drinking away his troubled past. His main attire of sloppy casual visually emphasizes his unkempt personality with unbuckled pants, unbuttoned shirts, rolled up sleeves, a cowboy hat, sunglasses, a potbelly, and cowboy boots. His scruffy white whiskers and long greasy hair further enhance his untidy appearance, which ultimately earn him the reputation of a professional mess. He is never without a cigarette and religiously carries a flask, drinking and stumbling around at all times of the day.
However, his witty and carefree charm wins him numerous interviews with reporter Jean Craddock, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The two soon pursue a romantic relationship, where their chemistry is surprisingly stunning and invigorating. The close camera angles and deep acting performances truly bring the characters alive and allows for a sincerely emotional connection between characters and audience.
In addition to the touching character portrayals, the script proved beyond riveting. Unique musical lyrics and relatable plot points made it an easy and beautiful film to watch. With expressive and moving lyrics like “funny how fallin feels like flyin, for a little while”, it is no surprise that writer and director Scott Cooper has been nominated for “Best Screenplay” as well as “Most Promising Director” for this film.
As “Crazy Heart” introduces Bad in the midst of the most drowning part of his life, it is rewarding as an audience member to see his linear progression as he retraces the steps of his past. The hardships seen in Bad ’s life are most likely relevant to most viewers, ranging from divorces and neglected children, to new relationships and sustainment of a career. This commonality forms a strong bond between film and audience, making the film a very meaningful experience.
For Bad, Jean is the motivation he needs to combat his chain-smoking and alcoholic crutches that have previously blurred the important things in his life. Their hopeful relationship, illuminated by outdoor sun-lit lighting eventually contrasts and overpowers his dark and gloomy-lit relationship with bars and Budweiser’s.
Thus, country fan or not, “Crazy Heart” is phenomenal and affecting, provoking a great reminder of what film industries should admire and aspire to. Merely, pure words and emotions energize the look and feel of the movie, making life seem just a little more manageable and encouraging. Hence, whenever at a loss for inspiration, Bad says it best, don’t underestimate the power to “pick up your crazy heart, give it one more try”.
This is a pretty damn good review. You did a great job covering just about all the bases of the film, though I think it would have been nice to hear more about Maggie Gyllenhal's performance, and the actors performances in general. I love, however, your observation about the camera angles and how they contribute to Bad and Jean's relationship. That's a great way of commenting on multiple elements of the film at once, and you used it quite effectively. Great job.
ReplyDeleteThis is perhaps my favorite of your reviews because it took me into the shoes of Bad Blake. Your word choice seem studied and it allowed me to get a deep sense of the film. Had I previously not seen the film I would have been able to learn much about "Crazy Heart." Well Done!
ReplyDeleteYou've written a really engaging and thought-provoking review. I really like that you focused on how this film is "truly refreshing in today's excessive-driven film industry." And the arguments you make in your piece really help to support this claim. Between your vivid imagery and analysis of several aspects of the film, you really show that this film is not Hollywood's typical, over-the-top, flashy film.
ReplyDeleteThis descriptive review was a pleasure to read. Great job!