Masterful Performance by Bridges

Rating: 10/10 (8 January 2010)

There have been times when a great performance pushes the level of a film that is barely mediocre to "overrated"; thankfully this is nowhere near the case here. Here is a performance that can not be praised enough, with plenty of emotional force, subtle, skillful, and at times, overwhelming in its depiction of a man whose spirit has lost its way, and who might not know what to do with a second chance.
Bridges has proved himself one of our best actors around, with plenty of bravado and sexiness in "Against All Odds", and much innocence and wonder in "Starman". One is bound to be entertained and not cheated in any movie he might be a part of. What he has achieved in "Crazy Heart" is at times indescribable because it is an accomplished performance, a rich, heartbreaking, exhilarating turn. With the camera on him at all times, there is no room for a false move, and this man delivers something to be treasured.
"Bad" is a man who has lived hard and played even harder. He is suddenly facing the consequences of his actions, and when given a couple of hard wake up calls and the opportunity to find some real happiness, he is not able to make the best choices. The question here is whether he is going to be able to conquer his demons or fade away in a haze of alcoholism and despair.
There is some pretty good direction and acting here, and it is not all Bridges'. His entire supporting cast is strong and sensitive, especially Colin Farrell, as the young man who tries to come through for his mentor but is having a tough time getting there.
"Crazy Heart" is not your typical country biopic, or a lesser attempt at building much out of nothing. It explores real emotions and human flaws. It doesn't want to teach anything, but it lets us in as observers, and we might be able to come up with our conclusions while listening to some good music and watching some great performances.