Jeff Bridges and "Crazy Heart"

Jeff Bridges has an easy, likeable presence on the big screen. The world first took notice of him in 1971's "The Last Picture Show".  As Duane, Bridges' youthful swagger and bravado that masked an awkward vulnerability earned him his first Oscar nomination.  In 1974 he upstaged Clint Eastwood in Michael Cimino's action-buddy flick "Thunderboldt and Lightfoot", lighting the screen with his exuberant, even homoerotic turn, and scored a surprise second Oscar nod.  Since then he has established himself as a dependable, technically proficient screen actor in films like "The Fisher King," "The Fabulous Baker Boys," "Starman," and the cult-favorite "The Big Lebowski".  He is as popular to today's generations of filmgoers as was his father Lloyd Bridges to his, and I would say he has far surpassed the career achievements of his brother, Beau.

The showers of accolades and awards Bridges is now receiving for his role in "Crazy Heart" are a sentimental appreciation of his career. Otherwise, his somewhat routine performance here would not be so lavishly recognized. In "Crazy Heart", Bridges plays Bad Blake, a down-and-out, alcoholic, has-been country-western singer, slumming and sweating his way through pathetic gigs in Southwestern dives and bowling alleys.  Bridges is a good sport and does what any good actor could with this unappealing characacter, and the result usually goes no deeper than his Kris-Kristofferson drawl. 

To Bridges' great credit, his likeability shines through, still, although he has never looked worse, or been in worse shape, and while this is right for the character, it's hard to watch Bridges the actor in this condition. Worse, first-time director Scott Cooper shoots the paunchy, sadly unhealthy-looking actor  in various stages of undress in what seems, since DeNiro in "Raging Bull", to pass for fearless screen acting. 


I have seen Cooper in interviews and read others, and I admire the attempt to shoot a character-driven film with poetic stretches and less reliance on plot, in a throwback to the films of the 1970's he (and I) loved.  Unfortunately, neither he nor Bridges are helped by Cooper's meandering script. I have not read the 1987 novel (now out of print) by Thomas Cobb on which this is based, but the screenplay bounces like a pinball from one false start to the next: Bad's serious, alcohol-related health problems; Bad's attempt to reach a long-estranged son and ex-wife; Bad's redemptive relationship with a local journalist and mother of a 4-year-old son; Bad's relationship with a young singer who he once mentored and who is now a rising star; Bad's attemtpts to write "big songs" once again.....  And before you can say "Tender Mercies", there's Robert Duvall ( a co-producer here) as a crusty but caring father-figure.

This film constantly reminded me of the superior "Tender Mercies", and Duvall's appearance here was a mistake; to those who remember that earlier film, it may throw you completely out of this picture.


Each one of the aforementioned plot points could have been developed into a compelling and interesting character study, but except for the central love story, none ever gets out of the gate before reaching a hasty resolution.  (For example, it is never made clear why Bad refuses to open for the young star Tommy Sweet; it is a bit of suspense that dissipates, totally wasted.)  "Crazy Heart" is a rambling, shambling film about a rambling, shambling character, who might have been served better with a more focused treatment.

I enjoy country music and had difficulty believing that Bad was ever a big star. I expected better use of the music here; we never hear the big song "The Weary Kind" performed in its entirety during the film.  As Tommy Sweet, Colin Farrell is a nice surprise, giving the movie its spark and something nice to rest the eyes.  Also in wonderful support is Maggie Gyllenhaal as Jean, who is sent to write a story about Bad and winds up loving him. Gyllenhall finds the right blend of dreamy romanticism and fierce motherly practicality, and sort of makes us believe that she sees something in this sloppy, drunken has-been.


I kept rooting for the film's success.  As long as our attention is focused on Bridges' face, "Crazy Heart" achieves some of the poetry it longs for.  Bridges does a great job expressing his closed-eyed gratitude for a kiss, or the helpless resignation of a man needing to get sober, or the panic of once again "losing" a four-year-old boy.  I did wish for more poetry in the lighting and visuals, but  gave up any hope of finding visual beauty after being subjected a second time to a shot of Bridges' intoxicated puking.


Here's a small film that is likely to grow on some, turn off others, and win the instant admiration of still others. It's not the movie I expected, and I wished for a lot more, and some day I may be willing to give it another look.  I congratulate Bridges on his long career, and I hope Scott Copper settles down and finds the cinematic poetry he is inspired to create, and of which I believe he is capable.  But if you still believe Oscar rewards the highest individual achievement in acting, I think the statue ought to grace another mantlepiece this year.   "Crazy Heart"  is an earnest  and honest attempt to entertain and observe the redemption of a lowly individual.  It is a modest success, and I fear it is being lauded out of proportion; and mixed as my reaction is, I hope it finds an audience that isn't turned off by the hype.

 

Dog Rescue in Los Angeles....Biting Out of Fear-- A Saturday Journal

As soon as I finished last evening's post about my new "friends" at the Buddy Foundation, I saw the dramatic video of the rescue of a three-year-old German Shepherd mix from a flood-swollen Los Angeles River:




The dog had no identifying tags, and so was named Vernon after the town in which he was found. Officials at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority shelter say the dog is doing fine and will be ready for adoption in five days.  Already, hundreds of well-wishers are sending cards and donations.


As much as anything else, I wanted to preserve this fascinating event.  Talk about dedication, and compassion, and risking safety to save a helpless creature.  It was not an easy rescue for Firefighter Joe St. Georges, who was bitten several times by the frightened canine. St. Georges was treated and released from a local hospital, and demonstrated true understanding of the dog's predicament, and harbors no animosity.

Dogs bite out of fear.  In this extreme case, even a healthy, friendly and well-adjusted dog  under such extreme stress cannot know that the person it bites is trying to help.  Fortunately, humans with the patience and understanding of animal fear will not back away from saving an imperiled animal from harm, even when the animal can potentially act out and bite.


People are figurative fear-biters as well, often lashing out at what could ultimately save them.  In small everyday interactions between individuals, as well as major political movements, and especially in the fearful reactions to ultimately positive yet unpopular legislation, those who are committed to doing good must understand the fear, and not be afraid themselves, and forge on to do what's best.

Although they are not always captured so dramatically on film, rescues of animals from extreme circumstances occur regularly all over the world. The Chicago Tribune reported firefighter Brian Rohr pulled a yellow labrador from the icy Iowa River in Iowa City (home of my alma mater the University of Iowa) just yesterday. Many videos can be found of these rescues. The are inspiring. They speak to the best in human nature.

Shelter Dogs-A Cast of Characters--A Friday Journal, for Fun

The dogs at the Buddy Foundation had their "closed-gate" meeting last week and  voted me "in" to their special club of caregivers!  And they certainly gave me a hero's welcome, as only a group of eager, loving, needy dogs can do.

And what a cast of characters they are! I am torn by my desire to forge connections and see our bonds grow, and my sincere desire to see them all leave into the generous hands and homes of loving, responsible people.  Perhaps one of them will know a bond with me in our own home.....

Friends of mine worry that spending time in the shelter will discourage me; they know how emotional I can be and wonder if I can handle it.  I remind them that the shelter, especially this one, is the best place these dogs can be for now, and that they often receive more attention than many house pets.  I expect to know deep sadness at times, and I have given myself permission to express it, deal with it, and let it strengthen me.

Before I introduce you to my new friends, I want to express my admiration for all of you who have ever opened your home to  animals; and not only that, who actively care, or did care, for them, making a comfortable life for the creatures in your midst.  You know who you are, and you deserve the love that you're given, from your current pet, or those wistfully and fondly remembered, and definitely deserve my respect for your kindness.  


Feeding and watering the dogs at the shelter, cleaning the "accidents" and the chewed up bedding, walking them in the snow at night, and giving them the affection they crave, is a wonderfully transforming experience.  I will exercise the muscles of patience, endurance, and sympathy I often forget I possess.   Whether I might run a shelter of my own some day, choose a dog to raise from among this motley group, or gather material for original fiction, I am moving in a good direction, a positive re-invention.

(I am suddenly, somehow, inspired to begin my series on the days I spent as a Residence Hall Director at two different colleges....very soon!  Both experiences share certain humorous elements.)

Here are some of the personalities I work with:

Cassie is a new arrival, a brown-on-brown Beagle who was about to be euthanized. Cassie and I understand each other....She seems to know how much I miss Maggie and in her eyes I can see a message, that Maggie is happy that I found one of her distant cousins to give my affections to.  Cassie is a sweet girl who nonetheless streaks like a bullet on a leash...she wants to sniff and explore so....  Soft ears...gently takes  treats from my fingers.....  She is a special one.

Danny frightens most of the volunteers. He is a code-red Pit Bull who has been known to bite.  He is also the most vocal, barking his annoyance at most people who walk by.  Maybe it was my goofy gap-toothed smile...or my calm as I breezed by his cage to feed his neighbor..but Danny stopped barking when I was nearby.  He is a dog who feels desperate to defend himself from the hurt he experienced at the hands of a previous owner.  Maybe he will forget someday.

Louise came to us last week; I mentioned her before. She is a beautiful 6-year-old Great Pyrenees, as large as a St. Bernard. Her owner is dying and cannot care for her any more.  She is sullen now and sleeps a lot, and is simply waiting for an owner she will never see again take her to a home to which she will never return.  But we saw a breakthrough....  She came up to me, and allowed me, and no one else, to collar her, for the first time since she was brought in.  Soon, I think she will allow another to love her, and take her to her new home.

Skittles and Banjo are an inseparable couple of feral dogs, an unusual occurrence in a day when we rarely see wild dogs surviving on their own. They were found wandering by a road, and may have been wandering for a long time.  No doubt they were abused, and although they growl and bark a lot, they are very afraid, and need gentle words and lots of patience.  It will be a while before they allow me to touch them.

Starsky is that Boxer/Bassett mix, solid and strong as a boxer, easygoing and stubborn as a bassett hound.  He is a good dog, but hard to characterize.  Most people will not warm to him and he is not a cuddly sort. I fear he will live most of his life in the shelter.  Of course, when I start to arrange adoptions for the shelter, I will make sure he is seen by a new family who will give him the space to roam, and will understand his need for affection even as he does not always invite it.

After another week or two, I hope to have good news for you about these critters..and will introduce more characters in my gallery.

Obama, Republicans, and Passing Health Care...Bob Cesca Said It Well -- Thursday Journal

Last night I posted a short piece on how the Democrats and Mr. Obama have handed victory to the Republicans, who are committed to blocking health care reform, and my thoughts on what went wrong (naive as I may have sounded).  I found a Huffington Post article by Bob Cesca that expressed my views as well as I would have hoped I could. 

I rarely, if ever, use this blog-journal as a way of simply copying the opinions of others: I like to research what others say, but sort of feel I've cheated simply by reproducing their words.  Today, though, I am appreciative of Cesca's thoughtful words,  in a post that so closely expresses my humble views, in letter and spirit.

Thanks Bob!  Here's a small excerpt:

"While I'm fully aware that the Senate requires 60 votes for cloture, especially when the Republicans have opted to filibuster everything, there are other solutions. The Democrats still hold an 18 seat margin in the Senate. They hold a gigantic 78 seat margin in the House. They lost just one seat yesterday to an empty shirt who, for some reason, thought it would be awesome to auction off his daughters on live national television last night. Weird and creepy...... This bill is about providing affordable, life-saving health insurance to 30 million Americans and ending a cycle of abuse at the hands of a corporate cartel.

"Instead, the Democrats plan is to wait until Scott Brown is seated and their 60 vote supermajority is gone, leaving them with one less option. They're waiting up. They're literally sliding an extra ace across the poker table to the sweaty, drunken degenerate on the other side. Here, we thought you might need some help, Biff. I'm sure you'll return the favor.

This, of course, is just plain dumb. If and when the tables are turned, don't count on the Republicans to return the favor....

"...Nothing will ever motivate the Republicans to join with the Democrats in a spirit of bipartisanship. And, beyond Congress and in terms of swing, independent and Obama-Republican voters, they're either going to like or hate the health care reform bill. How it's passed isn't really going to matter at this point, especially after enduring the long, painful legislative push through the sausage casing.

But okay. The president and certain Democratic members of Congress want to wait until Pimpin' Scott Brown is seated. So be it."

Erich Segal and The Top-Grossing Film of 1970--Wednesday Short Take #2

I was sad to hear of the passing of author Erich Segal, whose 1970 screenplay-turned-novel "Love Story" dominated  as the
top-grossing film of the year.  (Over 48 million dollars...can you stand it?) The story of a Harvard jock with all the advantages and his lower-middle-class, tough talking Italian Radcliffe girlfriend, was also the must-read book of the year.

The film collected seven Academy Award nominations including ones for Best Picture, Director, Actor and Actress, and Segal's Screenplay.


The film made worldwide sensations of stars Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw.  Theirs was the iconic image of the year.

It's little-known that Segal was a Classics professor at Yale, spoke several languages, co-wrote the Beatles film "Yellow Submarine", roomed with Tommy Lee Jones at Harvard (a cameo role in the movie), angered William Styron, who threatened to resign from the National Book Award panel if Love Story was not withdrawn from nomination, and did Olympic-games commentary for ABC.  He lived with Parkinson's disease for 25 years, and died at home of a heart attack.


 His lasting legacy is "Love Story", a film I have not seen for a long time.  While critics panned its sentimentality, it would seem to hold up remarkably well today.  Culture and class differences, the questioning of organized religion (VERY controversial subject then), conflict between fathers and sons, forgiveness and reconciliation, and dealing with impending loss of a loved one---all are themes that the film treats rather well.  Its winter scenes make me think of it as an unusual but fitting Christmas movie.  And I still say Clint Eastwood borrowed from Francis Lai's Oscar-winning score for his piano theme for "Million Dollar Baby"

People went to the movie to cry.  Legends grew about  pounds of Kleenex collected between seats by ushers after every viewing.


It is a subtle example of how two characters---a spoiled rich kid, and a demanding unyielding father---find the seeds of reinvention as they re-discover their love for one another while dealing with tragic loss.  And the story of Oliver and Jenny is a hopeful tale of how two people from different worlds can find each other, and love each other profoundly.


Most of all,there is the oft-parodied and discussed tag line--"Love means never having to say you're sorry".  What that means to me is that forgiveness is automatic...when I love someone, they are automatically forgiven, no apology necessary.


In "What's Up Doc?", a comedy that Ryan O'Neal made soon after with Barbra Streisand, O'Neal's character proclaims that famous tag line "the stupidest thing he ever heard".  Not very gracious..... Sure, the line is full of sentiment, but it's not wholly without merit.


I wonder what other readers think of that line?

Below is a theatrical trailer for the film..toward the end it lists its Oscar nominations.

While I rarely think of Erich Segal in a league with great literature, his story was a rare one that touched the mood of the time, and stands as a valuable reflection of the dreams of moviegoers in 1970.  How times have changed.