I SAW THE LIGHT

Hank Williams wrote and recorded some of country music's most enduring songs before his untimely death at age twenty-nine. These songs were fuelled by a blend of turmoil and heartbreak — not surprising considering the Alabama-born balladeer's private life, which director Marc Abraham brings to the screen with a clear-eyed appreciation of the man's complexity. Taking stock of the central moments in Williams' too-short career, which began when he was barely a teenager, I Saw the Light focuses, as it should, on the flaws of an artist who was endearing to his audience and enraging to his wives and lovers.
At the core of this film is Tom Hiddleston's magnificent performance as Hank. Not only does the English actor capture the singer's charm and caprice, he also sings all the songs. I Saw the Light is a celebration of musical genius, but also a poignant illustration of a restless soul who left a trail of heartache and fractured relationships.

Piers Handling, Toronto International Film Festival