I Saw the Light

The true story of singer/songwriter Hank Williams would seem ripe for a movie biopic, but despite a compelling performance by Brit Tom Hiddleston, "I Saw the Light" fails to shine.

The biggest problem with director Marc Abraham's script is that there is no emotional through-line and no clear agenda. It's simply a Point A to Point B retelling of Williams' life with scenes that seem to be replayed and an uncertain viewpoint of the main character. Is he supposed to be likeable even with the philandering and alcoholism? Is he supposed to come to a greater understanding of himself? An hour into the film and none of this is clear. And because the film begins with the marriage to his wife Audrey (Elizabeth Olsen) as he is slowly climbing a ladder to success, his early life is missing and that might have given insight into his determination to make something of himself.

While the production is spot-on and both Hiddleston and Olsen are terrific, this seems like a more generic "Walk the Line."

Special Features are plenty for this type of film, but there isn't anything horribly insightful.