The Actors: Crazy Heart and A Single Man

In a generalized sense, there are two identities that an actor's performance is typically tethered to by the critics: The first is an all out transformation, a performance that completely disengages the character from the actor, a performance that is completely unrecognizable. The second is one that retains subtlety—the performance is a natural extension of the actor.

I'll be the first to admit that I generally rally behind those complete transformations, and not the subtle performances. But really, both can be done well, and very well in some cases.



Jeff Bridges' performance in Crazy Heart undoubtedly belongs to the first paradigm, as he becomes Bad Blake, an aging alcoholic country music singer—a spent man in need of redemption. Bridges swimmingly counters this alcoholic mess with scenes of true vitality onstage.

I enjoyed the film quite a lot more than I expected, honestly, as I thought we were in for a rip off of last year's The Wrestler. But Crazy Heart has a mind and direction of its own, and Bridges really carries the film to something that makes you feel so much for its protagonist.



For many years, Colin Firth has played one thing well—the charming Englishman. And for years, he's gone generally unnoticed by the critics because of that. However, this year he has, very deservedly, been recognized for his work in A Single Man. Firth plays a gay professor living in Los Angeles coming to terms with his grief over the loss of his lover of 16 years in the only way he knows how—a meticulously planned suicide.

The story takes place in one day, and in that day we watch him tidy up the loose ends of his life, taking in his last moments with attention and observation. At first glance, Firth is exactly as he's always been—that charming Englishman. But really, the performance is so much more than that. With his imminent suicide, Firth's isolation is really astounding. The beautiful surroundings of his life are so easily taken away, and Firth shows a real commitment to taking it all in for one last time.