 |
No giant worms, transsexual FBI agents, motorcycle lovebirds or circus freaks. Just America at its most gentile and poignant.
The Straight Story is a miraculous little film based on a true story.
In 1994, Alvin Straight, a 73-year-old Iowa farmer, travelled across two states to Mt. Zion, Wisconsin to visit his ailing brother.
Not by bus, train or car, but on his lawnmower pulling a handmade trailer that served as his motel on wheels.
While growing up, Alvin (Richard Farnsworth) and his brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) were as close as brothers could get. Then they fought and didn't speak for more than a decade. Lyle's stroke prompted Alvin to take a journey of the heart to reconcile with his beloved brother.
Lynch is in no hurry to get Alvin to his destination. The film moves at a snail's pace, but this is one fascinating snail and one compelling journey.
It's impossible to avert one's eyes. The scenery is as breathtaking as the nuances in Lynch's cinematography and Farnsworth's performance.
Similarly, the dialogue is sparse but entirely memorable, leaving the viewer pondering exchanges long after leaving the theatre.
At one point, Alvin tells a cyclist that the worst thing about growing old is remembering how it was to be young.
It's almost delivered as a throwaway line, yet it is so powerful in its revelations given that Alvin hobbles on two canes. His mind is as sharp as ever, but his body is betraying him with every move.
Farnsworth has received a much-deserved Oscar nomination for his performance.
He is so natural and unforced you soon forget he's acting. It is one of those special times when the actor seems to become the character.
As Alvin's dedicated, high-strung daughter, Sissy Spacek gives a powerhouse performance. She was definitely robbed of a best supporting actress Oscar nomination.
The Straight Story is a very little picture with a very big heart.
It is unquestionably one of the year's best American films and ranks right up there with American Beauty and The Insider.
It's just much quieter and gentler.
(This film is rated F)