Crazy Heart

Released February 2010

Directed (and written) by Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall

First Viewing May 17 2010

Roger – 2.5/5

The reasons we humans see movies are as follows:

Reason No. 1 – We see/hear about a film, and decide to go and watch it.

Reason No. 2 – We originally don’t care about a movie, and then critics and/or friends convince us we should.

Crazy Heart falls into the latter category. I didn’t really care to see it. Then Oscar buzz surrounded the two leads, and I began to take an interest. Then Jeff Bridges won the Oscar for Best Actor, and I figured I should rent it and enjoy.

The problem with reviewing movies, of course, is that everybody has a different opinion. There is no such thing as a movie that every single person will feel the same about. The key to the Oscars is that enough different people decide that one film is good, so you figure it must be worth your time.

Here’s my problem with Crazy Heart. Despite it being critically hailed, I just didn’t feel like it was worth my time. Oh, it was well done, and certainly Jeff Bridges did a wonderful job convincing me of his character. At times, I forgot I was even watching Jeff Bridges; I thought I was watching “Bad Blake’s” life. The thing is, though, in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but wonder; what is the point here? I got a sense of the movie trying to be artful and profound without really trying, in that trendy way that movies these days do. Haven’t I seen enough movies about washed-up musicians looking to redeem themselves after hitting rock bottom? This role will guarantee you an Oscar win or nomination in Actor in a Leading Role. Jamie Foxx for Ray. Joaquin Pheonix for Walk the Line. That’s just the past few years. And I have to tell you, I’m a bit tired of the formula.

Even though Jeff Bridges did a wonderful job, and Maggie Gyllenhaal was equally convincing, I just didn’t feel the impact I felt I was promised. Crazy Heart’s performances are the reasons you should see it, if you do. But to be honest, I don’t think you need to see this movie. It’s not supremely entertaining, it’s not based on a real life musician, and it’s not original or hilarious. It’s about a has-been famous man who is trying to find redemption in his later years. There’s a woman involved. The man has a problem with some sort of addiction, which he is in denial about. Sound familiar? That’s because it is.

Crazy Heart is a fine little movie, and Jeff Bridges contributes a great deal of heart to the film, but don’t worry if you miss out…because you’ve seen this movie before.