For some reason I haven't seen Being John Malkovitch although I used to love him back in the day when he made movies fairly frequently and he was so-o-o-o good at being the bad guy.
Crazy Heart 9/10 This movie doesn't really cover any new ground, but then as they say, there is only one story.
And this one is magnificent. Jeff Bridges earned his Oscar with every creaky joint and shot. He says he's 57, moves like he's 67. But when he gets onstage and holds his guitar you can hear every long night on the road, every bad decision, every phone call that isn't answered, every bottle that he's drunk in his voice.
Somehow, as greasy and unwashed and bleary as he is, women still want him. It was surprisingly believable when he lay back on the bed with Maggie Gyllenhal in his arms and he cupped her breast in his hand.
It was just as believable when he sat before her weeks later, his eyes little slits, looking small, deflated, cowed by life and a mother's fury.
If you are looking for a movie with an actual story to tell, one with sound and fury and even love, this is it. And it comes with songs that flow like the dark river. Here is one used in the movie, sung by the original rake-hell and wanderer, Townes Van Zandt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl41lqUFKS4

