The Straight Story
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Movie Reviews of The Straight Story
Movie Review: The Straight Story - Life on a Lawnmower
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw The Straight Story in a film class last year. I am a fan of David Lynch and was surprised not to have heard of the film. What I expected and what I got were too very different things. Normally Lynch is known for challenging the viewers sense of reality and normality, Eraserhead challenged the conception of family and fatherhood. The Straight Story seems to be an American validation of these things.
The Straight Story is a very touching film about an aging man, Straight, who recieved news that his estranged brother had a stroke and may be in his final days. Being self-sustaining, but having the eyesight of a bat, Straight is forced to pack up a trailer, attach it to a riding lawnmover, and drive several states to visit his brother before it is too late.
The real power of the film is in its pacing, the people and stories Straight meets along the way, and the beauty of the American heartland. He emparts a lifetime worth of wisdom to people who need it, and is able to reflect and come to peace with his own life.
I found Straight to embody something about the American cowboy still alive today. He wants his autonomy andto blaze his own trail. Through his slow travel he is able to soak in his surroundings in the way that a person on horseback can. He throughly believes in honor, family, brotherhood, paying your own way, and that anyone you meet can be a trusted friend. A man with stubborn grit and heart.
Great film. Great male lead by Richard Farmsworth. Great supporting roles such as Sissy Spacek. Great Direction by David Lynch.
Movie Review: Very Punny
Summary: 5 Stars
I wonder if David Lynch was drawn to directing this film if only because of the possible title. But, the film lives up to its title, a feat that Lynch familiars should be interested in. The film is a very simple (true) tale of Alvin Straight, who learns that his brother - who he hasn't spoken to in years - has had an illness fall upon him and decides to go and see him. So, he hops on a riding lawnmower and off he goes. This idea could have easily turned into a silly mess, but throughout, the film is handled with care and sentiment (not sentimentality).
It has a measured pace, so the restless beware. But if you have no problem with the pace of The Sweet Hereafter or Breaking The Waves, this shouldn't be a problem. Lynch explores the rural countryside of America with conscience, it's like a love letter to his Heartland Of America roots.
The plot would be pointless to specifically recount because it would just reveal incidents that happen on Alvin's journey. For the entire film Alvin travels and meets with various people, who are each - in different ways - touched by his presence. We also meet Alvin's daughter, who is interesting, and we learn about one or two of her problems. We learn some of Alvin's past by his tellings with others who he meets.
The score is delicate, alomost mournful, played mostly on a violin.
Without trying to sound too pretentious, The Straight Story may be Lynch's most personal film. It is so unlike David Lynch, that it makes me think it is more David Lynch than anything he's done before. And for Lynch, this G rated film is probably his most experimental.
Movie Review: Slow is good
Summary: 5 Stars
Richard Farnsworth stars as Alvin Straight in a David Lynch departure: a G-rated film with no weird subtext. The Straight Story is the simple tale of a 73-year-old man who travels on his riding lawnmower over 300 miles to see his estranged brother who just had a stroke. The film takes its time telling its story, giving us plenty of opportunity to study Alvin and all the characters he meets along the way to Wisconsin to see his brother Lyle (Lynch regular Harry Dean Stanton). Alvin leaves his daughter (Sissy Spacek) to take what he feels is his last opportunity to make up with Lyle. Farnsworth is the show here, though, and he never stoops to make Alvin pathetic or pitiable. His strength (some may say stubbornness, but there's no meanspiritedness about it) should be an inspiration; he has to walk with two canes so every step is a journey in itself.
David Lynch surprised many people (he hasn't told a "straight story" since 1980's The Elephant Man) by delivering a film that does not manipulate and never sentimentalizes--and it's not weird! There is a moment near the end where true feeling is elicited (probably more so if you have a sibling, as I do not) but it is not forced. This true story is a drama of a different kind, one that Hollywood couldn't repeat if it wanted as this type of film depends on the perfect combination of story, director, and actor that rarely comes together. We should feel lucky that The Straight Story was even made and appreciate it for what it is, and for what it tells us about the potential of ourselves.
Movie Review: Ignore the fact it's directed by David Lynch -- it's GOOD
Summary: 5 Stars
My husband insisted I watch this movie, and he pretty much had to cajole me into it. You see, as soon as I heard it was directed by David Lynch, I didn't want to watch it. All of those bad undergraduate memories of gothed-out, late-night "Blue Velvet" movie get-togethers, having to hear people babble endlessly on about "Twin Peaks" in the early 90's, and high school "Eraserhead" days all combined throughout time to make me hate David Lynch. Then I heard "The Straight Story" was about some guy on a lawn mower. I thought it was going to be pointlessly weird and annoying.
I was wrong, thank goodness! This was a hypnotic film that really touches your heart. I never cry when I watch a movie, but this one got the waterworks flowing (I'm embarassed to say). There was nothing weird or pointlessly strange about it (I'm glad!). The musical score was wonderful, and the performances luminous. The storyline is highly creative, while still being a believable slice-of-life at the same time.
In an odd way, this film reminded me of "Slingblade". Pretty much, if you liked "Slingblade", you'll like this movie. Although this movie is not as dark as "Slingblade" (in fact, I was surprised to learn after seeing it that "The Straight Story" is rated G -- usually I dislike movies rates G -- but this is an exception to the rule).
This movie is worth buying. Take it from me -- I was prepared to hate this movie, but came away delighted instead!
Movie Review: One of the Best of 99
Summary: 5 Stars
Richard Farnsworth, and his tallent seemed to walk hand in hand, because he was so naturally gifted on screen. From Anne of Green Gables, to The Natural, and even Into the Night, Farnsworth has always done a sure-fire method of humble acting. His gifts, even while under physical pain, were just as evident in the Straight Story.The 73 year old, cigar loving, veteran, Alvin Straight finds out that his brother is sick, and must go on a journey of forgiveness. He and his brother have resentment in their past and have avoided one another for decades because of a simple argument. Sissy Spasek plays his loving and mentally handicapped daughter. This is one of her best performances (next to "A place for Annie").
The mode of transport? An old John Deere lawn mower. Along the way he encounters many people and touches all of their lives. Most memorably the life of a teenage runaway, who is afraid to tell her parents that she is pregnant.
There is one scene that closely reminds me of the "Carl tells his Past" portion in the opening of Sling Blade. It is truly haunting as Straight tells one of his new found friends (also a veteran - Straight tells him he could see it in his eyes) about a memory from the war.
The ending of the Straight Story is one of the most rewarding endings you will ever see. It is a simple moment of true emotions and is everything it should be. ~s.a.o.s.~