The real story on Alvin Straight is touching enough. But the adaptation, filming, and acting is probably the best reflection of true American decency and comfort.
Richard Farnsworth and Sissy Spacek are just incredible in their roles as Alvin and his daughter Rose. Just good nature decent folk, despite Alvin's affection for cigars and Rose's awkward speech impediment. And neither play up or down their character to be a saintly old man, or a freakish misunderstood daughter. But when some of their backstories are revealed, one's heart can't help from going out to them. Then there's the scenery captured along Alvin's slow trek. Just stunning images that look like paintings come to life. Like Norman Rockwell, but yet continuously modern. The movie is a as fresh today as it was near 25 years ago! And I'd say it's best factor is it's quirky simplicity. Being directed by David Lynch, one never knows what to expect. But he's above 'genuine' in pulling off this film. A couple of odd moments and/or characters are encountered along the way. But no one or nothing 'stands out' as with Lynch's other films. They're just events that Alvin and the viewer hardly get to witness, and aren't that unusual when understood. And the towns people and citizens Alvin encounters along the way are realistic and relatable. Some are 'characters' in their manner, some are comically frustrated, and most are just plain decent. And nothing is drawn to any of them to say 'Here comes the crazy neighbour again...' or 'I bet that woman gets good and drunk when she gets home'. Just simply people trying to get through their day and/or their lives as best they can regardless of the circumstances they have or may be facing. And all totally endearing and forgivable. I hate to use the cliche term 'life affirming' - but I got to say The Straight Story is just that! I don't think anyone cannot feel good about life and respect America a lot better after having watched this.
Richard Farnsworth and Sissy Spacek are just incredible in their roles as Alvin and his daughter Rose. Just good nature decent folk, despite Alvin's affection for cigars and Rose's awkward speech impediment. And neither play up or down their character to be a saintly old man, or a freakish misunderstood daughter. But when some of their backstories are revealed, one's heart can't help from going out to them. Then there's the scenery captured along Alvin's slow trek. Just stunning images that look like paintings come to life. Like Norman Rockwell, but yet continuously modern. The movie is a as fresh today as it was near 25 years ago! And I'd say it's best factor is it's quirky simplicity. Being directed by David Lynch, one never knows what to expect. But he's above 'genuine' in pulling off this film. A couple of odd moments and/or characters are encountered along the way. But no one or nothing 'stands out' as with Lynch's other films. They're just events that Alvin and the viewer hardly get to witness, and aren't that unusual when understood. And the towns people and citizens Alvin encounters along the way are realistic and relatable. Some are 'characters' in their manner, some are comically frustrated, and most are just plain decent. And nothing is drawn to any of them to say 'Here comes the crazy neighbour again...' or 'I bet that woman gets good and drunk when she gets home'. Just simply people trying to get through their day and/or their lives as best they can regardless of the circumstances they have or may be facing. And all totally endearing and forgivable. I hate to use the cliche term 'life affirming' - but I got to say The Straight Story is just that! I don't think anyone cannot feel good about life and respect America a lot better after having watched this.