'Crazy Heart' held over due to popularity

Academy Award nominee "Crazy Heart" will continue to be shown at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N. 13th St., Lincoln, Neb., through March 11. The film was originally scheduled to show through Feb. 25. However, high demand is keeping it at The Ross for an additional two weeks.

"The audience's reaction has been tremendous, which is why we are holding it over," said Danny Lee Ladely, director of the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. "We've garnered ticket sales for it that are double the size of national averages."

"Crazy Heart" tells the story of Bad Blake, played by Jeff Bridges. Blake is a broken-down country singer who has been through a lot in life, from several failed marriages to alcoholism.

During his journey, Blake finds love with journalist Jean Craddock, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who first pursues him to write a piece about him. Craddock and her son become like family to Blake and teach him about life and love.

The only things keeping Blake from moving on with his life are his destructive tendencies. Only time will tell if he can leave those things in the past and move forward.

Many have praised Bridges' performance, and Ladely said he is sure Bridges will receive an Oscar for it.

Film critic Peter Travers wrote in Rolling Stone: "A juicy career-crowning role - a master of subtle brilliance-plays the hell out of it. Not by showing off, but by going bone-deep into a character who only thinks he's running on empty. 'Crazy Heart' may finally win him the Oscar that's unfairly eluded him, and it offers the pleasure of watching a great actor at the peak of his form."

Ladely said Bridges' performance is what initially attracted him to the movie, and it is what makes this movie so great.

The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center is part of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts at UNL. It plays a large role in educating UNL film studies students in looking at the moving picture as an art form. It also reaches out to the rest of the Nebraska community to educate and entertain them.

"The Ross focuses on American Independent Cinema of all genres, but we also regularly show foreign films, as well," Ladely said.

Most of the films shown at The Ross are in current release. The same films are also shown in art houses and programs similar to The Ross throughout the country.

Tickets for "Crazy Heart" can be purchased online or at the theater. A $1 service charge is added to tickets bought online. Evening admission prices at The Ross are $9 for general admission, $7.50 for students, children and military, $6.50 for seniors and $6 for members. Matinee prices are $6.50 for general admission, $6 for students, children, military and seniors and $5.50 for members.

Other films currently playing at The Ross include "The White Ribbon," a foreign film that will show through March 11, and "Women Make Movies: Women Changing the World," which will also show through March 11.

Show times for "Crazy Heart" are: Tuesday at 7:55 p.m., Wednesday at 5 p.m., Thursday at 4:40 p.m., Friday at 4:40 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. and Saturday at 2:55 p.m. and 8:10 p.m.

For more information on "Crazy Heart" or The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, visit www.theross.org or call (402) 472-9100.