Rating of
2/4
'I Saw' This Story Before
Unknown - wrote on 05/03/16
'I Saw the Light' is a by-the-numbers musical biopic. It hits the few major points that most stories of tragic artists cover, and it makes quick work of them. A strangely fast-paced telling of Hank Williams' life from the beginning of his marriage, to his abrupt death at the height of his popularity. The at-home drama between husband and wife is one of the main focal points, and the single best aspect of the film. Hiddleston and Olsen are so convincing in their roles that they give us something solid to invest in. It's too bad the movie paints most of the drama with broad strokes as it whizzes onto the next minor event. There are never any big dramatic moments to become emotionally involved with, which is a key to these types of stories. We are mostly left with the usual trials of drugs, alcohol, and women being crippling factor to our hero's downfall. The performances are good enough for me to at least care a little. I just feel like there was a missed opportunity to emphasize the tragedy present.
