Oscar Watch: Part Four

Crazy Heart tells the story of down-and-out country music singer/songwriter Bad Blake. Bad, who we later find out is really named Otis, is a 57 year old alcoholic He’s had four failed marriages and is estranged from his only child. His life consists of making a modest living playing in venues like bowling alleys and small town bars, having one-night stands, eating bad food and living in cheap motels.

Until he met Jean and her son, Buddy.

Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a young reporter who interviews him. In doing so, she begins to see the man behind the musician. They soon become attracted to each other and become involved. Jean and Buddy become the catalysts for Bad getting his life together, both personally and professionally. He also renews his relationship with Tommy Sweet (Colin Farrell), a successful country music star he’d once mentored.

Sadly, his relationship with Jean does not last... Jean leaves him after he loses her son in a mall because he stopped to have a drink. After losing Jean, he turns to his friend Wayne (Robert Duvall) who helps him get into Alcoholics Anonymous.

Bad, now sober, turns up on Jean’s doorstep. While she is happy that he’s gotten his life on the right track, she finds she could never forgive him for his irresponsible behavior with Buddy. Inspired by Jean, despite her turning him away, Bad begins writing songs again, most notably “The Weary Kind” (which he sells to Tommy who makes it a big hit.)



Crazy Heart is based on the 1987 novel (of the same name) by Thomas Cobb. The character of Otis “Bad” Blake is based on a combination of Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard.

While the movie itself tends to be somewhat awkward and wander off in its own directions from time to time, Jeff Bridges performance is nothing less than exceptional. Bridges does his own singing in the film and is totally believable as Bad Blake. His captivating portrayal will beg you to stick with him to the film’s completion. I think it might be the most outstanding performance of his life, and judging from his nomination as Best Actor in a Leading Role, I’m inclined to believe the Academy agrees with me.

Maggie Gyllenhaal has also been nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category, which is also well deserved. She comes across as both strong and tender, and her character is quite endearing.