The Best of Jeff Bridges

-For so long Jeff Bridges has been continuously regarded as one of the screen's most dependable actors. His four previous Oscar nominations in both supporting and leading turns have proved this to be true. Likewise, the fact that many of his films such as The Last Picture Show, Tron, The Fabulous Baker Boys, The Big Lebowski, Seabiscuit, and Iron Man have managed to strike a chord with audiences; further cementing Bridges as one of the great American actors of the last 40 years. His performances, which always contain unique levels of honesty and realism, are all marvels to behold. Nowhere is this more true than in Crazy Heart; Bridges' latest role as a beaten-down, aging country singer. The actor's work is so strong that he has replaced George Clooney as the frontrunner for this year's Best Actor Oscar. Anyone who has seen the film knows he deserves it. Everybody familiar with his work as a whole, knows that he deserved this a LONG time ago. Please enjoy some classic quintessential Bridges performances in celebration of this incredible actor...

(apologies if the sound is a little off on some of the clips)

1. Texasville (1990)
-The Last Picture Show was without question a success. Director Peter Bogdanovich skillfully adapted Larry McMurty's classic literary love letter to small town America; bringing him and his cast (including Bridges who received his first Oscar nomination) great critical acclaim. To try and film the novel's sequel, which saw Bridges' character Duane, now a wealthy townsman/family man whose life is crumbling around him, was a risky venture that some feel just didn't pay off. However, Bridges knows the character of Duane and all of his loves and frustrations and carries them with him throughout the film. In one of his more relaxed performances, the actor portrays a man faced with a life crisis, a family that's uncontrollable and future that is uncertain. Its because of Bridges that the film is able to capture some of the magic from the original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-pEpBzR4f0

2. Fearless (1993)
-As an ordinary man who survies a plane crash only to be given a new lease on life, Bridges breathes new air into what could otherwise been a "George Bailey" type of role. Never has Bridges given such a whimsical performance so filled with life and vitality. Although the film has some truly devastating moments, the actor is able to lift the spirits of the audience with the notion that life is indeed worth living.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm5jBa4LzxQ&feature=related

3. The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)
-While Bridges isn't known primarily for his comedic roles or his romantic side, the actor is perfectly able to handle both as evidenced by his work in this romantic comedy. Bridges plays a professor frustrated with sex and seeks only love for his future relationships. Rarely has Bridges given a performance more carefree and lighthearted than this. The film and his performance work largely because of Bridges' credibility as an actor which allows an otherwise conventional storyline to rise to a higher level.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U0VLR-EWgs

4. Arlington Road (1999)
-In this tense and taut thriller, Bridges plays yet another professor; this time one who suspects his neighbor of terrorist acts. While he has the least flashy of the two lead roles in the film, Bridges brings endless amounts of intensity and desperation while trying to prevent his neighbor from succeeding. The fact that no one believes Bridges is an excruciating factor for the audience thanks to the actor's excellently frenzied performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk2CPzIgBRo

5. The Door in the Floor (2004)
-Bridges and author John Irving proved a good match for the story of a children's author whose son's untimely death has led to the crumbling of his marriage. Here, Bridges faces the challenge of playing a character that at times can be unlikable, but must also elicit sympathy from the audience. With emotions ranging from playfulness to grief, and despair, this is truly a role of great complexity. It's not an easy feat by any means, but Bridges makes it work in what is perhaps one of his most haunting performances on screen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwwpdz9K9tg&feature=related

Well done Mr. Bridges!!