crazy heart

Crazy Heart (《聲聲相識》), despite itssmall budget, hasdrawn a whirlwindof attention. Themovie does deservecredit for not only JeffBridges' flawlessacting, but also itsstory of a commonslice of life told inhonesty.

The story is about thelater years of Otis "Bad" Blake(played by Jeff Bridges), acountry singer-songwriter. Aged57 and once a musician of acclaim,Bad has become broke and cynical,finding it an insult having to perform inunworthy venues such as a bowling alley.Meanwhile, Tommy Sweet (played by ColinFarrell), his past mentee, is enjoying hugesuccess performing the mentor's smash hits."Bad" is indeed a suitable name for the characterin many ways-he has been an alcoholic, achain smoker, and divorced several times. Formoney, he reluctantly accepts the invitation torender an opening performance for Tommy,who encourages him to write new songs. Hissour days see a turn when he meets JeanCraddock (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal), ajournalist and a single mother of a 4-year-oldboy. For love, he looks for redemption, whichhelps him regain health and his genius in musiccomposition.

Bad's story as a quitter and as a redeemer isrealistic and insightful. We're warned that foranyone reaching the peak in his or her life, aplunge is plausible if he or she isovershadowed by pride, and chaos is often aresult of self-destructive behaviour. On theother hand, we are reminded that it's nevertoo late to start a whole new life. Bad'sturnaround, achieved in a "one day at a time"manner, tells us that hard times won't lastforever for those who are determined toreform.

This movie is certainly the mostmemorable for Jeff Bridges, who has justreceived his first Oscar (Best Actor) for hisrole in this movie. On top of his superlativeperformance as an aging singer sufferingfrom his own errors, personally, his carefreehandsomeness and subtle grins make himsympathetic but charming. Credit also goesto the late Stephen Bruton, Ryan Binghamand T-Bone Burnett-the key composersof many country hits, including the movie'stheme song The Weary Kind, which wasawarded an Oscar for Best Original Song.

G lossary

whirlwind 旋風

flawless 無瑕的

slice of life 生活寫照

acclaim 喝采、稱讚

cynical 憤世嫉俗的

sour days 乏味的日子

redemption 贖罪

plunge 急降

plausible 可能的

superlative 頂尖的