Music, plot keep ‘Crazy Heart' afloat
"Crazy Heart" (2009), now playing at the Nugget Theater, is the latest example of the current trend of Hollywood movies that depict the turbulent lives of great musicians. In the tradition of "Walk the Line" (2005) and "Ray" (2004), "Crazy Heart," adapted from Thomas Cobb's 1987 novel and directed by first-timer Scott Cooper, depicts the depressing reality of the life of Bad Blake. The character is based on Country Music Hall of Fame member Hank Thompson known affectionately as "The King of Western Swing" whose musical career spanned seven decades.