Crazy Heart (2009)
A compelling character drama that becomes extraordinary in the hands of Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal. These could arguably be called the two performances of the year, hard roles which fluxuate from exhibiting great human joy to great human pain. I found myself fully engaged in this country star and his culture, something that hasn't been attempted since Altman succeeded in the 70s; Walter tackles the subject of this music scene and alcoholism, and they way they often go together, but he's careful to show the warm and gentle attributes of the culture as well. This contains the year's best music, songs (some sung by Bridges) that are actually far better than the genre ordinarily produces. One of the best (and most overlooked) pictures of 2009.
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