Bridges connects with "Crazy Heart"

Rating: 8/10 (20 October 2010)

"Crazy Heart" is basically the country music version of Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler". Jeff Bridges plays an aging country music star whose best days are behind him. The abuse he's put his body through is catching up with him, which is only worsening matters. However, when he strikes up a relationship with a divorced journalist (Maggie Gyllenhaal) he makes an effort to turn his life around. But can he shed his old persona at this late stage of the game?
Despite being thematically quite similar to "The Wrestler" (which only came out a year earlier), "Crazy Heart" brings some new elements to the table. The country music background gives the film its flavour even though the plot points are mostly shopworn. The script also seems a bit aimless at times but, in the long run, it keeps the audience interested.
The acting goes a long way in selling the story. Jeff Bridges won an Academy Award for his performance and I wouldn't argue with that. Meanwhile, Maggie Gyllenhaal is luminous as always and was rewarded with the first Oscar nomination of her career. Colin Farrell & Robert Duvall both have small supporting roles and the rest of the cast, while lacking recognizable names, is well-assembled.
Scott Cooper's first time direction is solid and the film looks attractive throughout. Musically, the film excels. The Oscar-winning song "The Weary Kind" is but one of a handful of original tunes featured. These are performed by Jeff Bridges & Colin Farrell, both of whom contribute respectable performances.
In the end, while "Crazy Heart" ends up on the losing end of the inevitable comparison with "The Wrestler" it still contains enough to make it a worthwhile viewing experience. You don't really need to be a country music fan in order to enjoy the film but I guess it would help.