At the Movies

by Esther McCarthy

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OSCAR-WORTHY TURN FROM JEFF NOTE PERFECT

CRAZY HEART (15A) starstarstarstar

THE STARS: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall.

THE STORY: Washed-up country singer Bad Blake (Bridges) has become lost in booze. But when he forms a bond with a journalist
(Gyllenhaal), Bad wants to be good again.

BOND: Bridges and GyllenhaalIN his recent Golden Globes acceptance speech, Jeff Bridges joked: "You're really screwing up my underappreciated status here."

If there's any justice, that status will be further screwed up next month when Bridges collects his first Oscar for his role in this movie.

The most beautiful thing about Bridges' performance in this affecting film is that it doesn't feel like a performance at all.

By playing it unshowy and completely natural, the actor is all the more charismatic as a once-great country singer whose days have become an alcohol-induced blur.

He plays Bad Blake, a formerly-celebrated country singer whose lifestyle has cost him his career and his health. Bad's become so jaded by years on the road that he'd rather drink alone in a motel room than jam with the remaining young musicians who admire him.

Poor choices have led to him playing to small crowds in bowling alleys instead of the high-profile gigs he once commanded, while sleeping with the occasional groupie provides little comfort in his solo life.

IN TUNE: Colin Farrell and Jeff BridgesHe hasn't penned a new song in years and worst of all Tommy Sweet (Farrell), the musician who was once his protégé, has eclipsed him and now pulls in the crowds.

While Blake seems determined to stay as he is, possible redemption comes in the form of a journalist (Gyllenhaal) who's determined to find out what he's really about.

Like last year's The Wrestler, Crazy Heart is a simple story that could be very clichéd indeed in the wrong hands. But this gentle tale draws you in from the opening moments thanks to the assured direction of Scott Cooper, who's aware he's hit paydirt with the casting of Bridges and allows the film, and his cast, to breathe.

Gyllenhaal is likeable as the single mum who's charmed by Blake but has enough problems of her own, while Farrell makes the very most of a small part as the young country star who wants Blake to return to songwriting.

Robert Duvall is absolutely outstanding as Bad's old friend - the scenes between him and Bridges are the finest in the film.

With original songs and country legend T-Bone Burnett as a producer, the music and setting, just like this tale, feel authentic and real.

THE VERDICT:

A simple and emotionally-resonant story is made all the better by a wonderful Bridges. Like all really great actors, he makes this role look easy. The Dude abides.

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