The Straight Story
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Movie Reviews of The Straight Story
Movie Review: Not a Plug For John Deere
Summary: 5 Stars
A film that showcases something that has been missing from films...decency. THE STRAIGHT STORY also shows a peaceful, laidback, and beautiful America. David Lynch pulls back (way, way, back) from his bizarro world and tells a story (based on a true account) that is heartfelt without being a tearjerker. Richard Farnsworth (perfectly cast and deserved his best actor nomination) plays Alvin Straight a geriatric in Iowa who decides to visit and reconcile with his estranged and ailing brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) in Wisconsin. His transportation of choice is a John Deere riding lawn mower with trailer in tow (because his eyes are too bad for driving a car and he doesn't trust the driver of a bus). Along the way he meets up with kind folk who are sympathetic, non-judgemental yet curious, and helpful to Alvin's cause and journey. They too learn something. Also, the cinematography of the vast farming landescapes, small towns, and country backroads are some of the best parts of the movie. The pacing of the film is breezy and low-key allowing the viewer to relax and "ride" along with Farnsworth/Alvin's experiences with no indication of surprises or harm to the character (except for a couple of occasions of the riding mower breaking down or stalling). Overall, a film with the commentary of determination, a simple way of life, and that decency can still be a film's selling point.Movie Review: Unexpected beauty and calmness from David Lynch, a must-see!
Summary: 5 Stars
The Straight Story is an unexpected movie from David Lynch's hands. When I first saw this in a local cinema I was mesmerized by the movie's beautiful imagery, music and storytelling.This movie tells the true story of Alvin Straight, an old man with a bad hip. When he hears his brother, whom he hasn't spoken to in years due to some argument, has had a seizure he feels he has to see him, to once again sit side-by-side and look at the stars. As he has no means of transportation and refuses to be driven or brought, he takes his '66 lawnmower and starts to drive it from Iowa to Wisconsin.
On his journey he meets a number of strangers with whom he shares experiences and wisdom through honest, personal and simple stories. This is beautifully depicted by Richard Farnsworth's role as Alvin who got an Acadamy Award(r) nomination for his performance.
Alvin's journey, this old man's character, his encounters with the strangers he meets, the music and the unrushedness of the movie impressed me so much I went to see it three times in a row. Because the movie is not a roller-coaster ride, but takes its time to let everything sink in you finally have to time to really appreciate every aspect of it.
Allthough this movie hasn't become a major block-buster, I know nobody who has seen it who hasn't also seen it twice. Definately one of the better movies of '99.
Do yourself a favour, buy it.
Movie Review: A terribly beautiful film.
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently bought this movie and I am glad I did. A big fan of David Lynch, I now have almost all of his films (except Eraserhead, Dune, and the irritaingly non-existant Twin Peaks 2nd season box set). Upon watching this film, what struck me was the breath-taking beauty of the combination of cinematography and score. Watching the gentle passing over golden rows of corn and hauntingly empty main streets with the excellent orchestration of Angelo Badalementi will warm anyone's heart. The story of a dying old man making a final trip of reconcilliation with himself and with his brother is not something you'd expect to see from hollywood these days. Funny how a movie like this could be made by a director who is used to delving into the dark parts of the human psyche.
As I said, the camerawork, score, story, and characters are top-notch. However, there is one complaint I have with this film. I'm not familiar with Alvin Straight the man, but I felt that at times the film portrayed him as some sort of saint, dispensing wisdom to everyone he comes across. Maybe in talking to others, Straight was in a way talking to himself...
I highly recommend The Straight Story to anyone who wants a real family film, a film with not only a good message but a film that is a great work of art.
"Tenderness can be just as abstract as insanity." - David Lynch
Movie Review: A really wonderful film
Summary: 5 Stars
When you first think of the name David Lynch, you would think more in the sense of R-rated, kinky, violent and vulgar films. Not this one. The Straight Story, an even cleaner film than his 1980 Elephant Man, could not be more G-rated. But Lynch shows us here that he does not need to use his common elements to make a great film. The transfer:
Theres really nothing wrong with this transfer, although there shouldnt be, considering that it was made about 4 years ago. You get a nice 5.1 surround, and clear picture, and a very wide presentation.
Thre supplements:
Nada. Actually, on the whole disc, there is only 2 menus. The only thing that makes this disc sold without a box is a trailer, and a little note from Lynch himself explaining why there isn't any chapter stops (sadly, for most this film would have to be seen in parts, unless your so comfortable in your seat you dont want to get up).
For kids?
Although this is G-rated, anyone under 10 would fall asleep in less than 10 minutes. Forget children, most adults would not have the patience for this film. But if your children do have patience, absolutly. There couldnt be less wrong with this film. A wonderful, warm hearted slice of life.
Movie Review: I'm not surprised that Lynch would make such a gentle film....
Summary: 5 Stars
Many were surprised that David Lynch would direct such a moving, simple (though not simplistic), and gentle story about a man driving across the country. I am not surprised. Lynch is one of our great filmmakers, and to see him branch out with this film (and succeed magnificently) is phenomenal. In the hands of a lesser director, this film would have been awful. It would have been overly sentimental with a bombastic music score. With Lynch, it becomes incredibly moving and tender. Richard Farnsworth should have won an Oscar for his performance here. Why he didn't is another one of those Oscar mysteries that will never be solved. Sissy Spacek, who Lynch has known since his Eraserhead days, gives a great performance as well. The supporting cast is excellent here, too, and the small town folk are portrayed with dignity and humanity, a far cry from Lynch's Blue Velvet, where they were portrayed as pervertted and ugly. But then, not all small town people can be deranged, now can they? Lynch saw all sides of them, like the true artist that he is. This is a wonderful film. It came out in 1999, a fantastic year for films, and this was one of the best ones. Thank you, David.