The Straight Story

Rating:
Summary: A terribly beautiful film.
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: Ignore the fact it's directed by David Lynch -- it's GOOD
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Majestic, spiritual, innovative
Review: This is on my short list of greatest films. It shows a respect for humanity that is all too rare in our culture. Any author or artist willing to risk the silences and the slow, patient rhythms of real life should recieve a badge of courage. To people who have forgotten what it's like to live without the constant presence of quick-cut mass-media, well...just read what they say in the negative reviews of this movie: they just don't get it. This movie is like a brilliant dream unfolding on the country roads crossing the prairie. Highest praises to David Lynch.

Rating:
Summary: pure disney schlock
Review: What a great story and lesson about humanity! Why mess it up and bury it in a cornpone rendering of the midwest. Using local talent to provide local color was a big mistake - none of the townspeople can act and they come across worse than Floyd and Goober in Mayberry. I grew up in a small farm town and noone was that lost to reality as these people (really the script writer, this thing must had script problems from day one). Is portraying a vacant town supposed to say something? Seems like all the more reason to get out of there, looks like some sort of post-apocalyptic armageddon. And after all the delicious encounters with the blind happen chances on the road why his interaction with his brother is limited to the word yup? This is supposed to be the central motivator and it is completely wasted. And what the hell is Sissy supposed to be? Her speech impediment character is unbelievable and just detracts from the main story. She has nothing of value to say that has any bearing on anything. Hallucinating about the child with the ball looks like it might provide some real meat and then never provides and impetus to the plot. And where did that guy to to cinematography school? Film the pavement as a bus slows down? Come on!
I must say though, some of the finest background music ever composed with the few scenes of rural America that work.


Rating:
Summary: Not For Everyone
Review: A dying Richard Farnsworth gives the performance of his life as the dying Alvin Straight--a simple (but far from simple-minded) man who wants to put right as much as he can, and take one last long look at the world, before he moves on. If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then it probably isn't--this is the kind of movie that you really have to be in the mood for, and for which some people never are. I happened to see it after a tough week of work, struggling to fix things that really shouldn't have been my responsibility and dealing with duplicitous managers who seemed to spend most of their time shifting blame. This gave me a wonderful sense of relief from my own stupid little problems, and some perspective about what really is important.

Rating:
Summary: Quietly spiritual
Review: One of terms that was used in the editorial of this film was "quietly spiritual", which I think is a great description. It's one of those rare films that, rather than telling you how you should perceive it, unfolds and lets you define your own meaning for it. It portrays a man approaching the end of his life, trying to find meaning and tie up loose ends.

This is a fantastic movie. If you watch it (I highly recommend it), make sure that you either watch it by yourself or with someone who can appreciate a movie that makes you think. I made the mistake of watching it with my simple-minded ex-wife who found it boring. Watch it and enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Boring... These other reviewers are nuts!
Review: The Straight Story is horribly boring. Nothing of note happens in the entire film. The people that have given this four and five stars must be crazy. You will be very disappointed if you watch this film "The Straight Story". There are some nice views of Iowa in the film, and if that's all you expect you may be satisfied. If you want to see a plot or story line you will be disappointed. All you will to see is character development with nothing ever happening. The retarded daughter(Sissy Spacek) is totally pointless btw. Anyway, don't say I didn't warn you!