The Straight Story

Rating:
Summary: A gentle beautiful movie
Review: This is a beautiful, endearing movie. I just watched it last night and will be watching it again real soon. This is a quiet, gentle story that leaves you thinking. It's not preachy but it really stresses the importance of family, forgiveness, and repentance. Give the movie a chance. Don't stare at it too hard and try to look for deep meaning. Just let it flow over you like warm water. Let it soothe and refresh you.

I can't believe I am writing about a David Lynch film. He once did a movie about Lumberton, NC that was absolute garbage. I never thought he could capture small town life and the beauty of ordinary people. In this film, he has shown incredible sensitivity and progress. I hope he comes back to Lumberton and tries to make another film like the Straight Story.

Rating:
Summary: A Study Of The Human Spirit
Review: It's a journey of the soul as a man goes home in his heart, in this dramatization of the true story of Alvin Straight, who drove a lawn mower over three-hundred miles through the state of Iowa and into Wisconsin, to see his brother, a stroke victim with whom he had not spoken for ten years. "The Straight Story," directed by David Lynch, recounts the story of Alvin (Richard Farnsworth), who set out to see his brother, Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton), upon hearing of his stroke. Alvin is prevented from driving because of poor eyesight, and he won't take a bus because he doesn't trust another's driving. A widower who lives with his daughter, Rose (Sissy Spacek), Alvin, not a man of means, resorts to the only way he knows how, to get to Lyle. He needs to put the bad blood behind them before it's too late; an estrangement born of "anger and pride." Hauling a make-shift trailer, and with three five-gallon cans of gas and a cooler full of hot dogs, Alvin sets out, alone and determined, on his lawn mower. Now in the twilight of his life, having learned to "separate the wheat from the chaff," the trip affords Alvin plenty of time to reflect on his life, and steels him in his quest to do what he feels he has to do. Along the way he befriends and is befriended by the strangers he encounters; a testimony to the bountifulness of the human spirit. When a young man asks him what the worst thing is about being old, he replies, "Remembering when you were young." Richard Farnsworth gives the performance of a lifetime as Alvin, this stubborn, prideful man, who has learned humility with age, and you can see the wisdom of his years in his eyes. Farnsworth connects with the audience from the beginning, aptly conveying the yearning of a soul in need of atonement, and the determination of the man to effect his amends. Sissy Spacek, also, gives a terrifically nuanced performance as Rose, the "slow" daughter who lives daily with demons of her own. That the members of the Academy failed to nominate her for best-supporting actress for her work here is nothing short of criminal; her Rose is a beautiful piece of work. David Lynch, as well, has done a remarkable job of bringing Alvin's story to the screen. He has woven a rich visual and emotional tapestry, all poignantly delivered with a gentle hand. Beautifully photographed, the lush vistas of the Midwest reflect Alvin's state of mind, underscoring the deeper meanings of what is really a spiritual journey, during which the past mingles with the present. Lynch has taken a wistful, almost poetic approach throughout, which, together with the story is reminiscent of Ingmar Bergman's "Wild Strawberries." The scene in which Alvin finally meets up with Lyle is perfectly and touchingly executed, and is one of the most memorable scenes in the movie. The supporting cast includes James Cada (Danny), Everett McGill (Tom), Barbara E. Robertson (Deer Woman), John Farley (Thorvald), and Kevin P. Farley (Harold). With an artistic hand, Lynch has crafted an unforgettable film. "The Straight Story" is Alvin's story, but the journey belongs to us; a reminder of what is really important in life, and the needs we all share at one time or another. It's an entertaining movie that will touch you and make you think, as well; and as far as I'm concerned, that's about as good as it gets.

Rating:
Summary: the tale told in the craggy landscape of Alvin's face
Review: This film simply stunned me. When my roomate rented it, I had no idea what it was, except that he said it was a David Lynch movie done for Disney. When I saw it had a G rating on the side and questioned his sanity. Not being a big David Lynch fan myself, I wasn't too eager to watch it.

I am happy to say that if the movie is related to what I thought of David Lynch before, it was all in a good way. It's not like reading some unusual tabloid - but rather he knows how to create tension, suspense, and mystery in a basically serene land. From the beginning, everything is defamiliarized - we don't understand much, and it gives us the story slowly, letting us come to a natural understanding of the people rather than forcing a lot of story down our throat.

In short, I learned much from this film both as a writer and a human being. The human side of the story - I don't want to ruin it for you, but I will share that this was one of those few movies I see each year that made me shed more than a few tears. Beyond that, the kind of tears I shed here were unique to this story.

Watching this movie is an experience I would not pass up or trade for, oh, perhaps 20 other movies I have seen this year!

Rating:
Summary: Could there be a better movie?
Review: I can't remember the last time I was moved as much by a film as I was by this one. Maybe it has something to do with having parents about Alvin's age. I can't imagine a more perfect combination of great acting by Richard Farnsworth (although I found Sissy Spacek a little annoying), great direction, great script, great cinematography and a perfect score that makes a highly underrated contribution to the film. If Amazon offered six stars, this would deserve it.

Rating:
Summary: Completely engaging and charming!
Review: What a masterpiece of dialog, photography, and acting from Richard Farnsworth and Sissy Spacek that is completely natural, uncontrived, and powerful! If you want a movie that makes you FEEL, this is the movie for you. Nobody is manipulating you here. Here, you are presented a marvelous story, quiet and real people, and a sense of place that you can't help but become engaged in. Watch this on a quiet rainy afternoon with someone with whom you share a connection, and this movie can become another soulful memory you share with that person.

Rating:
Summary: Well Done!
Review: Is it possible for David Lynch to direct a movie with a straight forward plot, no nudity, no violence, no foul language, and no dances into the surreal? YES... and with much success!

Mr. Lynch, now that you've shown us what you can do, please give us more movies like this, and fewer like Lost Highway.

Rating:
Summary: You will be moved by this story
Review: A must see movie about life and all of its joys and hardships.

Rating:
Summary: Quiet, Rewarding Mood Piece
Review: The concept reads like a set-up for a late night comedy parody--a David Lynch-directed Disney movie about an elderly man who drives from Iowa to Wisconsin on a John Deere riding lawnmower/tractor, rated "G". The movie is more than mere concept, however. It's a quiet celebration of rural provincial life in the midwest, part meditation, part a series of Americana koans. The movie does not have a "movie of the week" feel at all, nor is it afflicted by Lynch-inspired kitsch or satire. Instead, the movie uses spaces of silence to drive the plot, much as did Tender Mercies, only this film is much less sentimental. The film is a series of beautifully realized small moments, which works through slow realization of its themes--only My Dinner with Andre has succeeded in bringing the tiny moments to life as well as this movie. Richard Farnsworth's performance is quite creditable, even though his character must exhibit an almost mythic depth of wisdom and pain. Somehow the viewer always believes in Alvin Straight and his curious tractor quest to see a sick relative. Sissy Spacek is a marvel in support--I've missed seeing her in roles this nicely turned out. The Straight Story is patient, slow-building and anecdotal. Its pace may be too slow for kids. That's okay--this is a very adult film, rating notwithstanding. The roving camera--stars fading in and out, brush-by treelines, lingering moments in campfire flames--adds to the ethereal atmosphere that permeates this movie. The soundtrack is ambiant, meditative, but we never lose sight that our protagonist is riding a small tractor past rural field and ordinary people. The Straight Story will not capture your heart, or bring you to the edge of your chair, but it may give you a quiet moment of thought, and not many films can do that anymore.

Rating:
Summary: A Well-Done & Heartwarming Drama For Your Enjoyment!
Review: This is a wonderful one of a kind movie that showcases the marvelous acting talents of Richard Farnsworth. What a treat to witness his ability to convey a lifetime of emotions without saying a word, with a series of telling looks , sideways glances, and using his sheer innate ability to "emote" to tell his story. This movie shimmers with a fountain of pent-up, heart-felt, but tragically unspoken human emotions. Along the way, we also get to know and appreciate his emotionally challenged daughter, played well by Sissy Spacek. But this trip is really a Richard Farnsworth bravura one-man show. And what a show it is!

We trip the light fantastic with him as he sets out to see a long-lost brother at the end of life, and we get to share in his ersatz adventures with an eclectic cast of all too-ordinary yet extraordinarily beautiful losers he encounters along the way. Of course, his trip on the John Deere is a trip toward himself and toward discovering a lot of things he needs to know to complete his life's journey. This is adult entertainment for the whole family, because it has such a wonderful ring of truth and integrity hovering over it, and an insight about life that lingers even after it's over. Every time I think about Alvin Straight being either naïve enough or ballsy enough to set out on this amazing journey it brings an involuntary smile to my face. He sure wasn't naïve. I think you'll like it too.

Rating:
Summary: The Straight Truth
Review: Alvin Straight isn't one to give in. When his physical problems prevented him from driving a car to visit his sick brother, he set off on his lawn mower and became an American legend. In The Straight Story, his true story of determination is captured in a beautiful family film that speaks to the heart of America.

Afflicted by poor eyesight and weak hips, Alvin (played by Richard Farnsworth) isn't as independent as he used to be. But when he gets a phone call that his brother has had a stroke, Alvin begins searching for a way to cross the miles (and the years) separating him and his brother. Ultimately, he decides to ride his lawn mower.

What could have been a very silly movie about a man on his lawn mower, turns into a story of determination, courage, and American ingenuity. Alvin is every man, fighting to be self-reliant despite the odds stacked against him. As he travels across Iowa, he meets people, dispenses his rural wisdom, and affects lives.

Farnsworth is excellent in his portrayal of Alvin. He comes across as practical, but willing to take a risk. Alvin never raises his voice, and his demeanor is just as quiet and calm. Farnsworth had an advantage to playing Alvin. Like the character, Farnsworth has weak hips and must use a cane to walk.

In addition to Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek (Blast from the Past) does a wonderful job playing Alvin's daughter Rose. Afflicted with a speech impediment, Rose is hard to understand at times, but Spacek makes up for her lack of verbal skills by emoting with her body language and her eyes. Harry Dean Stanton (The Green Mile) appears as Alvin's brother, Lyle.

David Lynch (best known for his surreal efforts like Lost Highway and television's "Twin Peaks") directs this wholesome family movie, transforming it into something special. His sweeping vistas of Iowa cornfields and rolling hills is truly picturesque. Most notable to me are his transitions, as when a small campfire at night fades into the rising sun at dawn. Absolutely breathtaking!

Alvin Straight has become something of an American folk hero. Perhaps someday, as the stories of John Henry and Paul Bunyan are told, people will remember the story of one man, his lawn mower, and a journey across Iowa.