The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Country biopic fails to impress

Even without any prior knowledge of country music, this film is sure to disappoint.

“I Saw the Light” is a biographical film depicting the rise and fall of the legendary musician Hank Williams.

Williams overcame a number of challenges before reaching fame and widespread recognition during his lifetime.

He was born into a poor family in Alabama, had an absent father, was a high school dropout, could neither read nor write music and suffered from lifelong chronic back pain, but managed to rise to fame and produce 11 No. 1 singles within his short six-year career.

Yet “I Saw the Light” doesn’t focus on any of this.

Instead, the film almost exclusively focuses on Williams’ tumultuous relationship with his first wife, Audrey Sheppard.

Writer-director Marc Abraham draws inspiration from the book, “Hank Williams: The Biography” by Colin Escott, George Merritt and William MacEwen, but makes little effort to delve beneath the surface and unearth any gripping information about the elusive and reserved Williams.

“I Saw the Light” is predictable and unimaginative. In two long hours, it doesn’t provide a smidge of meaningful insight into who Williams was.

While the film does touch on his battle with alcohol and prescription drug abuse the significance of his addiction is diminished.

Williams is played by Tom Hiddleston and counterbalanced with a strong performance by Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Audrey.

The mix of chemistry and tension between Hiddleston and Olsen (who are rumored to be dating in real life) is probably the most interesting part of the otherwise lackluster film.

Hank Williams III, Williams’ grandson, publicly stated his disapproval of Hiddleston’s portrayal of his grandfather, claiming only a true southerner (Hiddleston is originally from England) could give the part justice.

Hiddleston’s lack of southern roots may be an issue for Williams III, but most audiences disapprove of Hiddleston’s singing ability.

“I Saw the Light” ultimately falls flat and fails at providing viewers with the meaningful connection to the prolific musical genius it was supposed to deliver.

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Country biopic fails to impress