Hank Garland's "Crazy" Life on the Silver Screen
Last night, I attended the movie premiere of Crazy, an independent film loosely based on the life of guitarist Hank Garland. Though informative, I had a real problem believing the chemistry, or lack thereof, between Garland, played by Waylon Payne, and his wife Evelyn, portrayed by Ali Larter. Just imagine the actor who played Jerry Lee Lewis in Walk the Line hooking up with the whipped-cream bikini girl from Varsity Blues. It's a bit bizarre. Anyhow, it was an enlightening film exposing Garland's crowning achievements of working with Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Elvis Presley, as well as influencing the Nashville Sound with his fast fingers.
However, the movie did little to answer some of my biggest questions regarding the talented guitarist's final years of life. Wanting more, I headed over to Nashville's famous Bluebird Café for a brief set by Payne (son of longtime Willie Nelson guitarist Jody Payne and country "outlaw" singer, Sammi Smith). He covered his mother's hit song, "Help Me Make It Through the Night," and played a couple of original tunes. But it was Mandy Barnett, who portrayed Patsy Cline in the film, that undoubtedly stole the show with the power and control of her phenomenal voice. Although the film focused on the influence of Garland's music, it was her Patsy Cline covers that ultimately brought the famed guitarist to life.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
C-natural says:
I’ve never found Ali Larter to be terribly convincing at all, so it doesn’t surprise me that there was some chemistry missing.
On the other hand, I’ve always loved Mandy Barnett.
So is the movie worth seeing?
RedMaZ says:
Big Hank Garland fan. A great guitarist! I can’t imagine the pain, physically and mentally he must have went through after the accident in 61. Devastating. Yet another tragic story in music history. Thanks for the information on the movie “Crazy”. I want to see it.
RedMaZ says:
You should put the link to the trailer of this movie “Crazy” up from youtube. It looks great!
Ken Kostyra says:
This movie is FANTASTIC. Ali Larter and Waylon Payne are sensational. The soondtrack wouldb worth purchasing if ONLY to hear Mandy Barnett’s versions of Walking After Midnight and I Fall To Pieces..Diana Krall did a sultry version of “Crazy” But I can’t help feeling that one should have gone to Mandy also!!
Bravo..GREAT movie!!
The Hank Garland Family says:
This is to response to all of the negative comments about Hank Garland and the Movie “Crazy” from Nashville, TN. The Movie “Crazy” has won the best of the best awards across the USA and International. The movie story line is true. Only the people have written negative comments have something to hide. I can truthfully say Hank Garland the man, God Blessed him with a God Given Talent and he was treated worse than any man on earth except Jesus Christ. Those group of people stole everything for him, his talent, music, designs, songs, publishings, money but God saw it all. He knows who tried to kill him, he knows who ordered shock treatments to destroy his brains, he knows who stole all his money, Matthew 10-10 says just before Jesus returns all Secrets will Be revealed. Everything in the dark will be brought to the Light. The movie “Crazy” revealed a big Secret that is No Secret anymore. The ones that have ears let them Hear, the ones have eyes let them See. Thank you Jesus. The Hank Garland Family
The Hank Garland Family says:
I wanted to edit something to the above comment. They stole everyting FROM Hank, not for him.
The Hank Garland Family says:
They stole everything From Hank Garland not for him. The Hank Garland Family
The Hank Garland Family says:
Including “Jingle Bell Rock”. The Hank Garland Family
Sheila N says:
Are we ever going to get to see this film? I have been watching and waiting for a release.
JOANIE MORRISON ABOU-SAMRA says:
“CRAZY” is very good. Waylon Payne is a wonderful actor, and singer. Can not wait for his next film,
Dwight English says:
Hi to all,
Would love to see this film. Can it be purchased here in the US?
Thanks
Gary Buffaloe says:
When will this film be out and sold in store? As a big fan of Hank’s I would treasure a copy plus see it on big screen.
larry J says:
Have been anxiously waiting for a theatrical release!
Surely after winning awards , it wasn’t held back by the distributors!
It should have been released to DVD after this much time.
Any useful information about this film?
Rodney Roe says:
I was at the premiere, also. The movie had a huge impact on me. Living only a few miles from Gaffney, SC, Hank Garland’s home, I had never heard of him.
I was particularly interested in his influence by, and involvement with, black jazz musicians. It was a sad story about a phenomenal talent.
Debra Garland says:
I’m Hank Garland’s youngest daughter. There is probably a lot in this movie that showcases Dad’s career, the lies about his private life are unforgivable. I have not seen this movie but from what I’ve read about how my Mother was portrayed, I am sickened. My Mother was a wonderful woman that loved my Father very much. The writer of this knew very little about their relationship. Granted, neither one of them were saints but their love was special. Dad loved Mom until the day he died. He always talked about his love for her. My sister and myself lived this and we know the truth, and this isn’t the truth. So sensationalize all you want to make a movie but people should know this movie is fiction when it comes to Mom & Dad, their relationship and their love.