Hiddleston sings the Williams catalogue with aplomb in I Saw The Light; as an actor, he's certainly got the ambition to deliver this bravura turn... But as Hanks' tricksy hard-edged wife, Elizabeth Olsen is the film's find - she flashes her deepening talent like a diamond, proving she's got the depth and range for more complex performances.
ScreenDaily
... Read morea thoroughly committed, impressive performance from Tom Hiddleston as Williams (and an even better one from Elizabeth Olsen as his first wife, Audrey) Hiddleston makes for a very effective country singer; he doesn't necessarily sound like Williams, but as with Joaquin Phoenix's Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, the sheer amount of effort the actor took to nail a number of the singer's distinctive tics, hiccups and blue notes is obvious... Olsen's seems to have seeped several layers beneath her skin, and she brings a vital sense of lived-in authenticity to her scenes.
Variety
Hiddleston did all his own singing, and he's extraordinary... Olsen gives a potent performance, showing us how her affection for Hank fought with her pride.
BBC.com
The British star makes a compelling, convincing and sometimes downright frightening country singer... Hiddleston's turn slowly reveals itself as one of great intelligence and integrity, as well as a lack of vanity. His Hank isn't often a likable sight, but it's a memorable one. And what it suggests about how sceptical a performer you can be for people to still take succor from your work, to buy into its sincerity, is curious - and bruising. He also has notably good chemistry with Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Audrey with hearty compassion
Guardian
PRAISE FOR THE FILM I SAW THE LIGHT 'Hiddleston's performance is gutsy and heartfelt, as playful and soulful as the best of Williams's songs'
Time Out London
Escott mixes careful reporting, a sympathetic viewpoint, and wry and occasionally cutting humour in a blend that makes for fast and interesting reading
Boston Globe
Deftly written and ably researched
Newsweek
Our best look yet into Williams' pained, piercing eyes... Escott has peeled away the layers of legend
Philadelphia Enquirer
An impressive book... Probably the definitive word on Hank Williams' life
Boston Globe
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