One of the best parts of a film about a musician is that the story can be told through straight acting, and through the songs performed by the musician. What makes telling parts of the story through song so gratifying, is that the musician is using his given talent to let the audience know what he has experienced. The backgrounds of musical icons will usually contain some sort of tragedy or misfortune that was suffered through in life. By the escape of music, however, these musicians will find salvation through their lyrics, and will share their talent and lives with the world. Director Scott Cooper has adapted Thomas Cobb's novel, Crazy Heart, to tell the story of a once famous country-music star Bad Blake, played by Jeff Bridges, who sets out on the road to redemption after an extended history of regretable life choices.
Bad Blake's life is slowly falling apart. He's almost broke, an alcoholic, has been in and out of marriages, can't seem to find new material to write about, and his fame is nearly gone, which leaves him playing in bowling alleys. He eventually crosses paths with an aspiring journalist named Jean Craddock, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who just like Bad, is trying to forget about her past mistakes, and makes a comfortable living with her son. What is so intriguing about her character, is that what starts out as interviewing Bad for a story, turns into her becoming a catalyst for Bad Blake wanting to turn his life around. But this doesn't come without its setbacks.
The songs performed in the film blend perfectly with the events played out in the story. They describe heartbreak, ruined futures, and the neglect of the special things in life. The film's main ballad, "The Weary Kind," tells of the need to be strong of heart, and give as many tries as you have to in order to get your life back on track. The lyrics tell of what has happened in Blake's life, and hint at what's to come. The way how the music continually reinforces the film's messages makes the songs all the more effective in the storytelling.
Even though the movie is about the journey of redemption for a troubled life, it also emphasizes that as humans, we're all capable of hitting the occasional speedbump on the way. Whether we are like Bad and need to set our lives straight, or even if we're like Jean and our lives are going smoothly, it is natural for everyone to make mistakes. What's important, is that we recognize them, and try to rebuild our lives.
Jeff Bridges' performance is the gem of the film. His singing and musicianship is as breathtaking as the southwestern landscapes through which he travels. His portryal of a broken-down soul trying to save himself can relate to anyone, and shows that it's never too late to turn your life around. In the end, Jeff Bridges more than succeeeds in getting his message across. He makes us inspired.
Final grade: A-
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