Crazy Heart

In the new film Crazy Heart, Jeff Bridges plays country singer Bad Blake, a decrepit alcoholic, reduced to playing in bowling alleys and small town bars, unable to overcome his song writing block and keeping company with a whiskey bottle. Although he boasts he's never missed a show no matter his condition, Bad's life is as gloomy as the motel rooms he's trashed. Despite his lack of reflection, his numerous addictions and dismissive attitude, a few people still have faith in his remaining talent and decency. The story, based on the novel by Thomas Cobb, has been adapted for the screen by Scott Cooper who also debuts as the film's director. Robert Duvall co-stars and also co-produced and inevitable comparisons will be made to Tender Mercies, the 1983 film for which he won an Oscar for his performance of an alcoholic country singer who finds recovery and absolution after a long journey to rock bottom.

If it's true that there are only a handful of plots in all of literature, and man vs. self is among that short list, then it should come as no surprise that a story of redemption has been told a few thousand times before. But Crazy Heart has inspired and surprising performances from its small cast; the luminous Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell and the ever great Duvall. Additionally, the writing is fresh and uncomplicated, and the evocative music from the esteemed T-Bone Burnett adds both a gentle cadence and confidence that drives the film forward.

American films have a distinct look and attitude, and the stories about lone cowboys or country singers playing melancholy tunes in bowling alleys are singularly American. Despite the international interest in American films, it would be interesting to see how these sorts of stories are interpreted abroad. If there is any miracle in Crazy Heart, it's that Jeff Bridges is remarkable as Bad Blake; guileless, weary, broken down, luckless but not yet licked. That sort of character translates very easily.

Crazy Heart opens December 16.