So we start first with his name, Bad Blake. Really? Yep. This is what we call a "one man tour de force." Jeff Bridges earned his first Oscar for this role, and rightly so. He so precisely nails this character that I will forever look at him as if he is Bad. (Yes, they actually just call him "Bad.") A has-been, washed-up drunk of a country music star (are you fidgeting in your seat, Waylon?), every gesture, posture and line of dialogue deliver a ring of great authenticity. He knows this guy, and one gets the feeling he's been rehearsing for this role all his life. (Papa Lloyd would be proud.)
Now, the movie? It was o.k. My partner and I much enjoyed the first half over the second. The first was the world of gigs in bowling alleys and 2-bit dives. But the music was actually good, thanks to original songs by legend, T-Bone Burnett.
But then Bad has to fall for Maggie Gyllenhaal AND she for him! (really? can't see that chemistry) He works to clean up his act. Enough plot summary - I don't do that here. Anyway, the rest of the movie dragged for me.
Oh, and Colin Ferrell as a country music superstar. Really?
Mr. Bridges was in every scene of this film and his raw, gutsy, naked, no-glam portrayal earned him all the deserved awards that followed the film.
But I didn't laugh or cry. From start to finish, this is about a skillful actor who has come into his own. Good for you, Jeff.
I could not agree with you more. The film was just OK. But Jeff Bridges really acted up a storm. He was as true to the role as a guy could be. Hats off to the lead role in a less-than-stellar story.
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