Bridges Gives Crazy Heart.

Rating: 9/10 (4 March 2016)

Crazy Heart (2009): Dir: Scott Cooper / Cast: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell, Paul Herman: Engaging country music fiction biography about the things one cannot help do wrong. Jeff Bridges plays washed out country music musician Bad Blake who is reduced to performing small bar gigs. He falls for a young journalist who has a child from a previous marriage. Blake sees this as his opportunity at a second chance at family. Director Scott Cooper is backed with a flawless performances by Bridges who knows how far he has fallen but cannot help himself. He attempts happiness with Maggie Gyllenhaal but after his alcohol results in him losing her son, she calls off the relationship. He must pull himself together and attempt to correct his wrongs through songwriting. Gyllenhaal plays the journalist who interviews Blake. She will form a romance as well as introduce her son who looks up to him. Gyllenhaal plays her as intelligent and willing to pull away if need be. Her concluding scene with Bridges provides great closure. Robert Duvall plays a friend of Blake's who helps him with his addiction. Colin Farrell plays a country singer who once opened for Blake. Now Blake writes songs for him with loyalty in tact. Great effort in creating a realistic view of fiction with wonderful music to bring it heart. Score: 9 ½ / 10