Ensemble post by: Audiegrl, Geot, and BuellBoy
A worn-down country singer and a burgeoning journalist form an unusual bond in this drama adapted from the novel by Thomas Cobb. His spirit broken by multiple failed marriages, too much time on the road, and too many nights with the bottle, Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) had started to feel like he was headed down the path of no return. When probing young writer Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal) digs deep enough to unearth the broken man behind the legend, however, Bad realizes that redemption may not be such a long shot after all. The film has been described by Leonard Maltin as “half Big Lebowski, half Urban Cowboy meets The Wrestler“.
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Credits
Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Cooper
Writer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Cooper
Based on Novel by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Cobb
Producers . Rob Carliner, Judy Cairo, Robert Duvall, Michael A. Simpson, and Scott Cooper
Executive Producers . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Bridges, T-Bone Burnett and Eric Brenner
Line Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alton Walpole
Original Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T-Bone Burnett and Stephen Bruton
Cinematography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry Markowitz
Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Axelrad
The voice cast includes: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal,James Keane, Anna Felix, Paul Herman, Tom bower, Ryan Bignham,
Beth Grant, and Rick Dial
Reviews
IMDB member
“Saw an early screening of “Crazy Heart”. “Crazy Heart” is a very good film for one reason. Many critics have praised it and will continue to do so. Many critics will write it off as “just another washed-up musician struggling to overcome their addictions and weaknesses and make sense of things”, etc. In a way, they are right. In a way, this is another one of those movies. But, because of Jeff Bridges’ absolutely amazing performance, this film is more than that. If you want to see an actor breathe real-life into their character, endow truthful subtlety in their part, and absolutely nail a role that they were born to play, then you need to see Jeff Bridges rendition of Bad Blake. I believed that Bridge’s portrayal of “The Dude” in “The Big Lebowski” was the essential role of his career, but after seeing this performance, I’ve changed my tune. It’s true that we will not be witnessing cinematic history with the incredible plot or awe-inspiring film-making. However, if you are a fan of acting and want to see one of those performances that comes along every once in a rare while, please check out this film.”
Did You Know?
The movies character Bad Blake is based on a combination of Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard.
The novel on which the film was based was actually inspired by country singer Hank Thompson.
The concert scenes where Bad Blake opens for Tommy Sweet were filmed at a Toby Keith concert at the Journal Pavilion in Albuquerque. Keith is thanked in the credits.
Ryan Bingham, who plays Tony (the musician Bad talks to at the bowling alley) is a real-life rising country-rock star. Bingham co-wrote “The Weary Kind” with T-Bone Burnett and Bingham’s recording of “The Weary Kind” won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Jeff Bridges has always been musically inclined, and actually released an album titled Be Here Soon in 2000.
Three Nominations
Best Actor~Jeff Bridges
Best Supporting Actress~Maggie Gyllenhaal
Best in Music (Original Song)
44-D 