Friday, October 29, 2010
BELOW BOTTOM
Today's film was
with Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell and Robert Duvall
Down and out alcoholic country singer gets a girlfriend, a little help from his biddies and the gift of a really, really bad bottom. Sub basement bottom.
And............
Well that is the story. A cliché until you see this film. The standard story gets turned around here and there. Tweaked into real character interest.
And the acting is sublime. As clear as the rain. Odd, there is no rain in the film.
Bridges is, as usual, in pure form. Just right. He uses everything he has which means you cannot see any of the moves that make him this poor sad man.
Maggie Gyllenhaal is in perfect pitch as the woman who comes to interview but stays to love and support.
Colin Farrell in a smallish role is critical to the enterprise. He is loyal to his mentor when he does not have to be. He struggles to be there for real. The scenes between Bridges and Farrell are awkward and tough as both men patch up their lost relationship.
Robert Duvall, who played a similar character in another movie stands in the background as a sober friend who is there for Bridges when he is ready.
Other cast members are superb.
There are a few laughs in this film. Some fear. And not a dry eye in the house.
But, it is does not fall into the pit of sentimentality or easy answers to the traditional questions.
Its depiction of alcoholism is right on the mark. Gyllenhal does not belong in the sad enabler category either. She offers love which is tough and honest.
I liked this movie very much and will be sure to see it again. As a lifer in the Jeff Bridges fan club I will have to give it a 5 out of Netflix5.
Labels: films
