The Straight Story [DVD]

If you like fast action films, then this film is not for you. If, however, slow human stories are to your liking, then I recommend this film. Based on a true, if unlikely, story about 2 brothers, who, in the past, had a disagreement that resulted in them not speaking for years. Then, Alvin, finds out his brother has had a stroke. Alvin thinks about the situation & resolves to visit his brother. Alvin has 2 problems, 1 his brother lives some hundreds of miles away & 2 he doesn't have enough money to go there. He resolves the situation by deciding to go on his battered lawnmower. As unlikely as it seems, to most people, that's exactly what he sets out to do. It is a heart warming tale of interactions with those he meets on his journey. Be aware that the DVD case says no subtitles, however there are. These are particularly helpful during some distance shots that the film employs.

A touching story full of warmth

One of those important films to watch in your life and be aware that the film is a sequence of meetings between Alvin, played by the late Richard Farnsworth, and people who he meets on the road mostly played by non actors, just ordinary people, as Alvin trundles along on a ride-on lawn mower to visit his estranged brother. They come over as just ordinary folk but with a story to tell and their stories are poignant which is what drives the plot and director Lynch draws from Farnsworth equal poignancy.A real trap for directors and writers you might think but it is carried off very well as long as you are prepared for the lack of car chases, violence, sex, nudity and CGI's ---- this really is a meandering little story of the interaction between people, the pain of their memories, their fallibilitys and ultimately their search for redemption. I don't mean that to sound melodramatic because we all suffer and experience those feelings and the film explores those emotions through the passing interactions between Alvin and the people who try to help him.Some beautiful music throughout by Angelo Badalamenti, more famed for his award winning melodic work on Lynch's 'Twin Peaks', and there is a certain 'flavour' that comes over very recognizable. Production design by Jack Fisk who has worked with Lynch and Terrence Malick many times (they're all in the same bunch with a related style if you know what I mean). Cinematography by Freddie Francis (of Hammer film fame) ---- let me be honest and imagine that Lynch told him that this film has no vampires or werewolves and Francis may have replied OK I'll do plenty of roads and crops ---- there is a lot of that, quite beautiful. I'm reminded of a friend who was recently taken on a safari in South Africa by his wife and said, when I asked him if he enjoyed it, that when you've seen one deer you've seen them all. Please ! Please !Sadly the late great Harry Dean Stanton's appearance is like a puff of smoke at the end of the film. But the film is what it is, perhaps best described as an observational road trip.107 minutes long, no extras. Though the dvd is not advertised as having subtitles it HAS English subtitles ---- forgive me but I've lent this film out so many times the disc is missing from the case, and I have a notation on the jacket that English subs are present ------- track and trace necessary! I watched the film on Film 4 (04-07-20).

Great acting and great theme of reconciliation!

I have just finished watching The Straight Story finally after trying to catch it for some months. There are only a few movies that touch something deep inside, a raw emotion that changes the way you think about all that is dear to you. Forgiveness, redemption, compassion, the simple things in life such as family and friends, the place where you grew up, a clear night sky.But the Straight Story is so much more. It is a simple tale of a man who, in his own words "has seen just about all there is to see" and yet realises that before he dies, he has one wrong left to undo.So Alvin Straight drives his lawnmower 300 miles to see a brother that he hasn't spoken to in over ten years. He refuses help along the way, telling those on the road that he has to do this in his own way; this is his rite of passage. Amends perhaps for estranging his own brother...Along the way, he meets many people and he tells them a little of his story which helps to show us a little more of Alvin's motives. One of the most poignant is his conversation with a fellow old timer about their deeds during the War. Another favourite scene is when he's talking to a runaway about the strength to be found in family.Visually, I have always liked David Lynch's work and the Straight Story, despite being a massive departure from his usual surrealist approach is trademark Lynch. The cinematography is simply stunning. The wide camera angles and slow movement conveys and enhances the American midwest and seems to compliment somehow the peaceful yet dilligent frame of mind of the central character.Richard Farnsworth is brilliant as Alvin Straight. Deep rheumy eyes and a heavily wrinkled face show a man who has lived and yet burdened with with his own regrets.The supporting characters that Alvin meets along the way are good and honest people. Such a nice change from all the badness in the world. And his final meeting with Lyle, his brother, is pure magic. Hats off to Harry Dean Stanton who, when he asks Alvin if he drove all the way on a lawnmower just to see him and Alvin says yes, the look in his eyes he gives back closes the film beautifully.Put simply, The Straight Story is an honest and gentle tale of human goodness and only those without a soul could find this film less than enjoyable. Definitely one for the DVD collection and a movie that deserves to become a classic. Highly recommended.

Great film, definitely worth watching.

David Lynch is a genius. Heartwarming experience. It's a straight story. It's amazing how the guy who made Blue Velvet also made this.