The Big Blake

Rating: Null/10 (28 January 2017)

Frequently compared to 'Tender Mercies', both films feature ageing, alcoholic country singers finding new love and newfound success, however, 'Crazy Heart' spins a noticeably different story. Most notably, the character of Bad Blake (played by Jeff Bridges) in 'Crazy Heart' is still an active singer at the start of the film and one who has zero interest dealing with his alcohol problem. This in turns renders Blake a more interesting character as he has to find it in himself to recognise how much alcohol is ruining his life. He also has a lot more personal growth as he becomes aware that his hedonistic lifestyle is not compatible with his newfound romance. Whatever the case, Bridges shines in the lead role which almost feels tailor-made to his sensibilities; in fact, the very first scene of the film places Bridges at a bar in a bowling alley in an obvious reference to 'The Big Lebowski' - the title character of which has some curious similarities to Blake. There were some questions raised at the time as to whether Bridges deserved to win the Oscar that year or whether it was more of a lifetime achievement award. Viewing the film though, it is hard to imagine how such concerns ever came about as this is easily one of his finest turns. The less said about also Oscar nominated Maggie Gyllenhaal the better though as her romance with Bridges never quite rings true. The film is also set back by the frequency of the musical numbers, which sometimes get in the way of the story developing. That said, the songs ARE that good with Bridges even doing his own singing.