Crazy Heart (2009)

Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) was once a top country star, but he spent too much time peering out at life from the inside of a bottle.  When we meet him, Blake has been reduced to performing in small venues -- including a bowling alley -- throughout the south.  He still has fans who ask him to sing their favorite songs.  But he can no longer get a record deal, not even on the strength of Tommy (Colin Farrell), a former protege of Blake's who is a superstar.  

While working one gig, he meets Jane (Maggie Gyllenhaal), the niece of a piano player.  She's works for a newspaper, and requests to get an interview with Blake.  There is a mutual attraction, but Jane eases cautiously into a relation with Blake.  She has a divorce behind her, a few failed relationships, and a toddler son (Jack Nation) to look after.  Their relationship appears to produce some change in Blake's cynical outlook on life, but he still has a long road to go.

This film is a solid character study.  Bridges shows the emotional and physical pain that his character has carried around for decades through the way he moves, and the weariness in his voice.

Ms. Gyllenhaal appeared in the movie Secretary (2002), and actor Jake Gyllenhaal is her younger sibling.  Veteran actor Robert Duvall (Tender Mercies, 1983; The Godfather, 1972), has a small pivotal role.  Mr. Bridges is the son of actor Lloyd Bridges (High Noon, 1952; Airplane, 1980), and has been nominated for Oscars for his previous performances (The Last Picture Show, 1971; Starman, 1984).