Sunday, January 04, 2009

Straight

We had a couple friends over for dinner tonight and decided to watch a movie on DVD after. Tuffy P. suggested we watch the 1999 David Lynch film, The Straight Story. I've seen this one a couple times, but it is such a beautiful film, I'm always up for seeing it again. For those who haven't seen this one, it is based on the true story of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who traveled across Iowa and into Wisconsin on a lawnmower to reconcile with his ailing brother. It stars Richard Farnsworth as Alvin and Sissy Spacek as his daughter Rose.

I love the pace of this film. It is a gently compelling, sometimes funny, and mostly beautiful film about a man who goes on an unusual road trip on board a riding lawnmower to see a brother he hasn't spoken to in ten years. It's about facing one's mortality, and it's about the bonds of family. Mr. Farnsworth's performance is brilliant.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

this is the only David Lynch film I haven't seen. Really must rectify that omission one of these days

Karen said...

It doesn't sound like a typical Lynch film. Perhaps it's one I might actually enjoy.

mister anchovy said...

Karen, it isn't a typical Lynch film, although there are a few scenes which seem to be right out of his playbook. The Straight Story is remarkable in its restraint. This simple story is very powerful depicted in a very 'straight' way. The pace is relaxed but the film seems to drag. The first time I saw it was on television. I was upstairs and Tuffy started to watch it in the living room. I walked through the living room to get to the kitchen and stopped mid-way to glance at the screen. Half hour later, I was still standing there. "What is this?" "It's The Straight Story. Watch it".

Anonymous said...

and Sissy Spacek is great in her small role
Muppie

zydeco fish said...

Hmmm, never heard of it. It sounds good. Someday, I will check it out.

sp said...

That is such a fabulous film! I loved it and watched it again and loved it again. Now that you've mentioned it I'd like to see it again.