Scott Cooper

There's something to be said for a movie that takes its time, letting a scene roll out as an actor explores the moment, his environment and the nature of his journey. Even if this exploration is overly familiar and downright clichéd in the narrative handling, at least we can appreciate the intention, the photography, the performances and the music without constant stylized propulsion towards a final destination. And I suspect this is why it was such a no brainer that Jeff Bridges won an Oscar for his portrayal of Bad Blake, a dejected, alcoholic country musician whose best days are passed. Crazy Heart lingers on his pained expressions and winded shuffle in between performances in seedy bars, not just framing a scene, but also letting it play out. Equal efforts are put into showing the hopeful moments, where single mother and aspiring journalist Jane (Maggie Gyllenhaal) inspires Blake, giving him purpose, as well as his low periods of binge drinking and passing out drunk and half-naked around a toilet. Whether we honestly care if this mostly unlikable man actually cleans himself up and makes the most of his talent or not, the depiction of him as a flawed, struggling human with a haunted past feels authentic and complete. The icing on the cake is the many performances by Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell, playing songs that capture the mood and theme of the film with great acuity. During the final moments, when Farrell plays "The Weary Kind," with its simple orchestration, soulful hook and simple, but profound, lyrics, it's difficult not to admire the heart, crazy or not, of a subtle, but authentic, piece of filmmaking. Included with the Blu-Ray are brief interviews and deleted scenes, which mainly show Bad meeting with the adult son he abandoned. They were smart to cut this scene, as the telephoned rejection is far more affecting than seeing them have an argument.