Taking a break from all videos... this is a movie review, of sorts. I'm more trying to capture my entire experience... the film, the theater, the neighborhood.
I saw "Crazy Horse" last night. I was pretty skeptical going in. How many more ways can someone tell a sad bastard musician story? Especially, a country singer? That said, it was playing my neighborhood theater (The Moreland Theater), and I've been wanting to check the place out so I gave it a shot.
This is one of those movies where there is no big climax or overblown drama. It's the kind that tries to steer away from big hollywood explosions and overplayed drama. In other words, it is boring... boring in the sense in that it's just a fairly plain story about real life, real people. I think I've just described the essence of a country song, and that is by no mistake. In that regard, it reminds me of the movie "Big Bad Love," based on the short story by Larry Brown, and starring Debra Winger. Bad things certainly happen and while those things are sad, the portrayed fallout is straightforward and simple and life goes on.
Jeff Bridges stars as Bad Blake, a washed up country singer working the lounge and bowling alley circuit of the Southwest. He's a man with a lot of problems, the biggest being alchohol. He still maintains a legendary status among his fans, as his songs (self-written) really seem to strike a chord with his longtime followers. Heck, they even struck a chord with me. Not too far in, he meets a reporter named Janie (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal), who he is obviously drawn to. I mean, he seems drawn to every female he encounters, but he seems to have a thing for Janie in particular. Next up: meet Tommy Sweet (Collin Farrel), Bad's former protege turned country mega-star.
I think this is where the movie fails. Collin Farrel's portrays this person who is entirely awkward around Bad. I'm not sure if that was the intent, but he's always hiding his eyes from his mentor, it would seem. Either he has a drug habit, or he's just in awe of this man who "taught him eveything he knows". Meanwhile, Bad is bitter. I guess the reasons are obvious, but I was expecting something more. To the point, the relationship is never really fully developed, and in my mind, it leaves a giant gaping hole in the story. And for the most part, Colin Farrel can't act - not in this movie, anyway.
Jeff Bridges, on the other hand, does an excellent job and I think his portrayal is spot-on. The image of his ragged old-face, plagued by years of agonizing over his own demons, is just captured so well. You quickly forget that he ever played The Dude. Instead, I'm reminded of the people around me when I was growing up - not necessarily family, but friends, acquaintances, etc. Maggie does a great job also, and I was not detracted by the "cute child" factor. They tell her story fairly well, although they maybe could have given it a little more time. At 112 minutes though, I guess they fit in what they could. I mean, after all, the primary character here is Bad Blake, and in his case, they left nothing out.
There are more things I either liked or disliked, but I doubt I could go too much into those without giving something important away. So I'm just going to leave it at that. 3.5 stars seems to be too generous of a rating, while a 3 doesn't seem to give it enough credit so... 3.25? Oh, and... Robert Duvall... eh, please take a hike.
Instead, I will turn my attention to the Moreland Theater. I'll just flat out state that I'm not a fan. I'm all for supporting local businesses, but only when they do a better than average job and not at a premium. The movie was $10 and they only accept cash or check. The theater itself is too large. The newer(?) comfortable seats are all in the back half of the theater, and even from the first row of those seats, the screen seems like it's a mile away. So I sat in the front of half of the room, which has rigid, ungiving 50 year-old seats. I think next time (if there is a next time) I'll be taking the front row where I can stretch out a little more. On top of everything else, the room smelled like a kitchen fryer - a smell I know all too well. I guess that was the smell of popcorn burning, but it was really strong and unpleasant. And lastly, the over-50 yuppie crowd was just as annoying. The things that make white people laugh, well, I just find it so ironic sometimes. I guess there's an observation there that I've made about Portland which I'm not fully ready to delve into. At any rate, I think I'll be exploring other neighborhoods for my future movie-going endeavors.
Walking home was nice. It wasn't too warm and not too cool. It felt like it was Fall in Michigan - but it was February in Oregon. I could get used to that. My only complaint is that some wanker walks up behind me and starts singing. Granted, he had a pretty good voice, I don't want to hear it, thanks. Thankfully, he was on his to his car, and not too follow me and stab me. I guess I'm not fully trusting of my environment here quite yet. I've run into some serious whack-jobs in my short time here. When I got home, I checked out the soundtrack. Jeff Bridges is actually singing some of those pieces. He isn't too shabby at all - a little rough around the edges maybe, but well, that's the kind of singing I have an easier time identifying with. Haha.
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