Jeff Bridges is Bad Blake, a formerly successful country singer, now reduced to playing gigs in bowling alleys and seedy bars, and being the opening act for his former protegee, whose star has now eclipsed Bad. An alcoholic with with four broken marriages behind him, the only thing that appears to be waiting for Bad is an early grave caused by too much drinking and an unhealthy lifestyle. His manager wants him to write more music, but Blake can’t really be bothered with it anymore.
When he meets Jane (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a young reporter with a four year old son and a history of choosing the wrong men, it seems that there may be another shot at happiness for both of them. But Bad has to conquer the demons of his past before he can look forward to any kind of future. And Jane knows that he could easily be just another in a line of men who are no good for her…
Anyone who knows me knows that Jeff Bridges is my all time favourite actor, and has been for many years. He finally got his long overdue Oscar for his performance in this movie, and it was well deserved. In this film, as in all of his others, he makes the viewer forget that they are watching Jeff Bridges the actor, and become immersed in the character. Played by a different actor, Bad could have been far more unlikeable, but Bridges produces a character whose flaws are evident, but who its possible to still care about and root for.
Maggie Gyllenhaal is also excellent as Jane (she received an Oscar nomination for this performance), bringing a sense of vulnerability to this character who has had a rough deal in life, and who is determined to do the best for her young boy.
Robert Duvall and Colin Farrell play smaller supporting roles – Duvall as a bartending friend who wants to help Bad get his life back on track, and Farrell as country singer Tommy Sweet who was given his first big break by Bad Blake, and who has now become a huge star.
It’s also worth noting that there is a great soundtrack to this film, consisting of many original country songs – several of which are sung by Jeff Bridges – and although it’s never been a favourite genre of mine, the songs are easy to listen to and enjoyable. It is not necessary to be a fan of country music to enjoy the film.
This film is happy, sad, funny and ultimately redemptive – I would definitely recommend it.
Year of release: 2009
Director: Scott Cooper
Writers: Thomas Cobb (book), Scott Cooper
Main cast: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell
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