In what promises to be one of the most surprising and entertaining films of 2011, the new film "Country Strong" opens across the nation on January 7th.
Starring Gwyneth Paltrow as a country singer attempting to make a comeback after a stint in rehab and Tim McGraw as her ambitious husband, "Country Strong" is an extraordinary film with strong performances by Paltrow, McGraw and co-stars Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester. Directed by Tobey Maguire and written by Shana Feste, the film glistens with assurance as it provides a simultaneously gripping and enchanting story.
Adding to the powerful ambiance is the beautiful score written by Michael Brook and the array of infectious songs sung throughout the film. The songs and surprisingly engaging musical talents of Paltrow, Hedlund and Meester lure the audience into a world where fame comes at a steep price.
In what should be heralded as an Oscar-worthy performance, Paltrow manages to convey the fragility of a woman on the edge as she claws her way back to the top of a grueling profession. Life as a professional singer means that everyone wants a piece of you and when you are at the top it is constant struggle to maintain that financial viability and popularity. The question becomes: what is the price of fame and is it worth it? For country singer Kelly Canter (Paltrow), she will do anything to get exactly what she wants – and having lived so long in the limelight, she is not willing to give it up so easily. She is a fighter battling her personal demons in both her personal and professional lives.
Caught up in Kelly’s journey are Beau Hutton (Hedlund) and Chiles Stanton (Meester), two young aspiring country singers who are on the verge of taking the country music world by storm. Having met Kelly while working at the rehab center, Beau takes on the role of her sponsor and protector; and Chiles is a star on the rise whose crippling stage-fright prompts Kelly’s husband to push Chiles and Beau into performing together while opening for Kelly on tour.
The chemistry between the four leads is electric and mesmerizing. Whether it is the intimate scenes between Paltrow and McGraw as they attempt to find their way back in their fractured marriage, or the smoldering scenes between Hedlund and Meester as they try to resist fate, each scene conveys an intimacy that invites viewers to savor every single moment.
Holding his own against the magnetic Paltrow, McGraw is mind-blowing. He has the challenge of being a cold, calculating husband while still portraying a man grieving over past regrets and the wife he once knew. The duality of the role is taxing, yet McGraw moves with such grace and confidence that one can easily see why Paltrow’s Canter refuses to give up on her marriage and the man that holds her heart.
“Country Strong” is a film that simply must be seen to be believed. It will surprise you and dazzle you in ways you cannot anticipate. Make a point of seeing it. “Country Strong” opens January 7, 2011.
Related article: "Review: Country Strong"
Related article: "Country Strong: Muddled Lyrics But a Strong Tune"
Comments