Crazy Heart sings

Alcoholism, aimlessness, and despair are suffocating has-been country musician Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges). Wounded doe Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who initially peeks into Bad’s life as a newspaper reporter on an interview, can’t resist Bad’s scruffy charm. Deep in the clutches of addiction, Bad can’t cut it with himself or his lover and almost derails professionally, even as a has-been professional. Love can’t conquer all, but Jean and Bad make a valiant effort that is tender and poignant.

Bad’s struggle with himself, nice love scenes, and the tug and pull over Buddy, Jean’s 4-year-old son, are worth the price of admission, as is the music (soundtrack by T-Bone Burnett). Crazy Heart explores the complexities of addiction, love, and loss, and the limitations of redemption. It tastes bittersweet and feels and sounds a lot like real life. Bad wins a few, but loses a lot more. Pick up your crazy heart and give it a try.

Crazy Heart, directed Scott Cooper, at the Downer Theater, 2589 N. Downer Ave. (414) 276-8711. -Mary Vuk Sussman