Oscar-worthy performance by Bridges; a real indie gem diamond in the rough.

Rating: Null/10 (4 January 2010)

CRAZY HEART (2009) **** Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall, Jack Nation, Paul Herman, Tom Bower, Beth Grant, Debrianna Mansini. Bridges gives an Oscar-worthy performance as washed-up, alcoholic C&W singer Bad Blake, whose attempt at a much-needed comeback has some pitfalls along the way to sobriety and redemption: namely a budding journalist years younger paramour (Gyllenhaal spot-on perfect as usual) whose love affair proves to be the better for the couple in the long run in spite of its rocky road. First time filmmaker Scott Cooper – who also adapted the Thomas Cobb novel – allows his star a tailor-made vehicle to really sink his teeth into such a meaty character – and Bridges rises to the occasion beautifully (and points for taking on the task of composing original songs to sing and produced by wunderkind T.Bone Burnett). A real indie gem diamond in the rough.