AWARDS PROFILE: CRAZY HEART
By: Keith Lucas
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Is it Jeff Bridges' time in the Oscar sun?
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I did not intend to write this up until mid-December. However, after the release of the trailer and rampant buzz around the Internet, I felt
it was time. Crazy Heart barely made any noise a few months ago, and now some people believe it might be a major player in the big
dance (most notably the Best Actor category). I’ve watched the trailer multiple times, and read many of the articles about the film, and I’
m fairly confident the film can score big come Oscar time.
Here’s why:
1. Jeff Bridges. He’s long overdue for some Oscar love. Simply put, he knows how to act. He’s one of the most durable, versatile,
and consistent actors out today. I can point too many of his performances over the years to buttress my point, but most of our readers
know this by now. He might be the Mickey Rourke of this year, but I think that comparison is unfair. First, Bridges is not trying to
resurrect his career. He’s been in the game long enough to know how it should be played. There’s no subplot to his performance
save the fact that it’s his time to win the award. His performance (and nomination) is more akin to Martin Scorsese’s nomination for
the Departed. One can only hope that the Academy finally rewards such stability, and if this is one of Bridges best performances, the
Academy should make it happen.
2. Country Music. I’ve never been a huge fan of the genre, but I know that it’s popular. There’s a certain level of realism and pain that
speak to people, and it’s allowed country music to prosper as a genre. The Academy will not be treading unknown territory if they
reward this film with a few awards. Walk the Line was kind of popular with the Academy, and was nominated for five Academy Awards.
3. The under-performance of The Wrestler. Some people felt that the Wrestler did not perform well at the Oscars. It’s a shame it did
not, but if Crazy Heart covers some of the themes of the Wrestler, then perhaps this is a chance for the Academy to correct their wrongs
(doubtful). Besides, the Academy usually likes films about a protagonist who is down and out with little hope.
4. The rest of the cast. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, and Colin Farrell round out an impressive cast. If they all bring their “A”
game, then we might have something more than a one star vehicle film.
I should note that it’s possible that this film may only score in the Acting categories. The push might be too late for any other category,
and if the Academy maintains consistency, then it’s resemblance to the Wrestler will hurt. It has a chance to be a player in the Acting
categories, but it’s may only be a dark horse in the other categories. No one really knows, but it’s catching fire at the right time.
Potential Nominations:
Best Actor (Bridges)
Best Picture
Best Supporting Actress (Gyllenhaal) Or LEAD as she's being campaigned
Best Adapted Screenplay
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