Recent biopics that dissected the lives of popular musicians and groups, including James Brown, Frankie Valli, Brian Wilson and N.W.A., all had some bold and powerful statements to make. The main problem with “I Saw the Light”, which chronicles the brief but amazing career of Hank Williams, is that it fails to give the country legend’s life the gold-star treatment.
35-year-old Tom Hiddleston (Loki in the “Thor” and “Avengers” movies) stars as Williams, who is 21 when we are first introduced to him, alongside his soon-to-be new bride, Audrey (played by Elizabeth Olsen) in 1944. Williams isn’t a phenomenon yet, but he has a dream: to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Unfortunately “I Saw the Light” hardly delves into this quest or the aspects of Williams’ life once he became a superstar, turning-out one “honky tonk” hit after another.
Instead, writer/director Marc Abraham focuses more on the troubles that faced Hank and Audrey – his drinking, her ego, his women on the side – which threaten to derail their relationship. Hiddleston and Olsen’s on-screen chemistry holds your attention during the stronger and much more interesting first half. The musical performances do as well. Hiddleston sings all of Williams’ tunes – and there are quite a few. These renditions serve as comfort food throughout the film, as we starve for some purpose from the non-musical scenes.
Abraham’s screenplay is scattered and the on-screen narrative flow is blatantly uneven. There are random edits and odd jumps in time that open-up gaping plot holes. And, let’s be honest, a famous performer having problems with alcohol, cheating, and not being able to keep up with a demanding tour schedule is something we’ve seen depicted numerous times before – and more dramatically. Over the course of the second hour, “I Saw the Light” gradually loses what appeal it had, concluding with an abrupt and emotionless final scene.
Hiddleston is consistently solid. The age difference didn’t really bother me, though he does have a bit of a mature presence for the role. And, as I predicted after I first saw her in “Godzilla”, with the perfect role, Olsen is destined to win an Oscar. Her work here is another step in that direction. However, there’s just nothing in this story that’s gripping or powerful enough to warrant a recommendation. Williams, undeniably one of the most significant singer-songwriters in the history of popular music, deserved more than this movie delivers.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “I Saw the Light” gets a C.
Running Time: 123 min.