Ethan Hawke proves he has serious writing and directing chops with Blaze, his new biopic about the life of musician Blaze Foley, a contemporary and friend of Townes Van Zandt, a songwriter whose work was recorded by Willie and Merle and a struggling sufferer of mental illness who was shot and killed in 1989.
Setting aside Hawke's script—which is mostly stellar despite a few cliche lines here and there—the bulk of Blaze is carried by newcomer Ben Dickey, an actor who so effortlessly conveys the dizzying highs and terrifying lows of Foley's life that he all but disappears into the role. We feel like we really get him at his best and want to save him at his worst, and the beautiful songs of Foley and Van Zandt permeate most scenes in one of the most effective uses of music we've seen in a film in ages.
Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) stuns as well as Foley's one-time wife Sybil Rosen, who penned the screenplay along with Hawke. This alone sets Blaze apart from other biopics—Rosen was there from the meager beginnings in a literal treehouse to Foley's eventual descent too far into boozing which, of course, lends authenticity to the tale. And while the film celebrates the man and unequivocally proves his gift for songwriting, it never shies away from the uglier moments of Foley's tortured existence.
Actor/musician Charlie Sexton deserves a special nod, as well, for his portrayal of Townes Van Zandt (and for his work on the soundtrack), but not simply because he bears a striking resemblance to the Texan hero. Still, there are moments that lead us to believe the filmmakers (and, by extension, Rosen) feel less than enthralled with Van Zandt's contributions to Foley's life, but they're never fully explored. We also don't get an idea of how certain events came to pass and are instead thrust into the middle of scenes that end without any particular resolution. Perhaps it's a case of having too much information in too short a time, but if the end goal was to foster a deeper appreciation for Blaze Foley and his impact on country music, Blaze ought to work wonders.
8
+Dickey is phenomenal; the music
-Slight lack of exploration
Blaze
Directed by Hawke
With Dickey, Shawkat and Sexton
Violet Crown, R, 129 min.
