Prodigious Filmdom 5: Jeff Bridges Characters

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Is there anyone cooler than Jeff Bridges? Sorry, I do know one person, but no one can really be compared to Jack Nicholson any way. Bridges comes off as a free spirit that goes with the flow, yet breathes wisdom effortlessly. His career spans from the 1950’s and hasn’t slowed down for over 60 years. My God, the man has three films coming out this year alone! They all look to be supporting roles, but they are The Only Living Boy in New York (August 11), the bad ass sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle (September 22), and fire rescuer Only the Brave (October 22).

He’s an actor unlike any other with some damn great hair! As I look back through his performances, some are off-the-wall, others are humbling, but almost all of them are daring in some way. I guess that’s why he’s had the career he’s had, and why it still keeps flourishing today. The roles I’ve chosen only go back to 1998 and I ain’t backing down from those who may get a little pissed about that. You won’t find The Last Picture Show, The Fisher King or The Fabulous Baker Boys in here. The ones I’ve chosen made me a huge fan of the man they call The Dude. And speaking of….

THE DUDE

(The Big Lebowski)

It’s safe to say this will be Bridge’s most iconic role ever. A simple man that has a knack for bowling gets caught up in some real gangster shit. No way you can ever imagine anyone else being in this hilariously classic role. The Coen brothers’ comedic crime-caper is visually impressive with sharp, unforgettable dialogue that will be quoted for the rest of our lives. There’s absolutely no shame in Bridges being remembered for this tripped-out, twisted movie for the ages.

PRESIDENT JACKSON EVANS

(The Contender)

Going from his most notorious role to perhaps his most low-key one of his career. Sure, he was Oscar nominated for Best Supporting Actor for playing the President of the United States in Rod Lurie’s political thriller, but based on the level of his other numerous portrayals, it’s a pretty quiet one. Though that doesn’t mean he’s not stirring as he’s ever been. Finding a new Vice President is a real pain, and in the filthy world of politics, it makes it damn near impossible for it to be a woman. But President Evans is a smooth talker with a big appetite, and top-notch at playing its depraved game.

TEXAS RANGER MARCUS HAMILTON

(Hell or High Water)

Director David Mackenzie’s Hell or High Water is a hell-raiser with a riled up cast fueling a fascinating yet infuriating film about those left in the dust. Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton is an aging cowboy with a badge who is a tad bonkers, but accomplished in the capture. Bridges is rough and tough, showing us all how it’s done with some True Grit running through his veins. The banter between him and his partner Alberto (Gil Birmingham) gives us humor when we need it most. Then there’s the stunning showdown between Bridges and Chris Pine that will give you chills with no gunshots required.

OBADIAH STANE

(Iron Man)

Bridges was unarguably more popular than Robert Downey Jr. before this summer blockbuster changed the game and ignited Marvel’s massive universe. While Tony Stark steals the show, his foe gives him a run for his money. As Obadiah Stane, Bridges is having a blast being arrogant and flashy. But as he reveals his true self, real malice pours through and it’s a performance we’ve never seen from him before. More so, what makes this villain pop is it’s deeply personal. As Tony’s father-like mentor, Stane knows how to carefully pull you in so he can quickly rip your heart out of your chest. Or, in this case, the arc reactor.

BAD BLAKE

(Crazy Heart)

Crazy Heart takes you deep in to the world of Bad Blake, a fallen musician and a 24/7 alcoholic that needs the poison just to feel human. In his Oscar winning performance, Jeff Bridges does not play the man, he becomes the man. Bad Blake has no need to button his pants when he doesn’t have to. He lets his chest hair show with a bottle of whiskey in hand and a cigarette in his mouth. Bridges captures Bad Blake’s painful personal troubles and professional failures, and that hurt can be heard in his own voice singing those songs. In his first feature film, Scott Cooper tunes up a story that is all too familiar in country music, and makes it original and true. Along the way, he gave a legendary actor one of his finest roles.

“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter@SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.