So seeing Brendan Frasier wrestle it out with CGI cutesies is not your thing? Why not try a movie with the new thing called “acting” in it?

Check out “The Good Heart” a new indie drama starring Brian Cox and Paul Dano is a small piece of filmmaking that feels like a play. Strong performances abound in this tightly woven drama about a mentor and his student.

Jaques (Brian Cox) is a broken down bartender that has just had his fourth cigarette induced heart attack. While in the hospital he meets a good natured homeless kid Lucas, (Paul Dano) who he takes in to home. Unbeknown to Lucas, he is about to get a MA in curmudgeon. Jaques, who needs someone to will the bar to,  teaches him the art of fending off unwanted tourists (put Ketchup in their Bloody Mary), pleasing the regulars and installing quick discipline on those who break the code or the bar. Lucas eventually gets him to take advantage of his last remaining days.
Brian Cox gives a  tour-de-force performance. He should be remembered come Oscar time but will most likely be overlooked. It is a rare chance to see a screen veteran of 40 years in prime “actor’s actor” form.  Trying to place to the face? He was the original Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Michael Mann’s “Manhunter.”  Cox rips into the role of Jaques and what could have easily been a caricature becomes flesh and blood. The is a long history of Jaques and I could have watched an entire pre-quel to “The Good Heart.” Dano is also good as the simpleton Lucas  but there seems to be a desperation missing from this homeless kid’s soul.

“The Good Heart” is a strong actor’s piece, that does at time feel like a play. However, it is worth checking out. As with many films on the indie scene, it won’t be in theaters for along time. If you miss it, make sure you check it out on DVD.