ROLL-M: The Straight Story |
the Straight story (starring Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton; written by John Roach & Mary Sweeney; directed by David Lynch; rated G).
That’s right – the Straight story (lower case first and third word is correct) is rated G. But before you park the kiddies at this film, better pack them some toys, coloring books, a lunch … While this is an enjoyable tale, children will be bored silly. And it is possible that many adults will find the movie tedious. But just a few will leave the theatre feeling that they have been on a grand adventure and that they have known the main character personally.
Perhaps you’ve heard this true story of a man who, in 1994, rode a lawnmower to visit his ailing brother in another state. Alvin Straight (now you understand the title) is old, unable to see very well and therefore not able to drive a car, and not interested in bus travel. So he hitches up a home-made trailer to a riding John Deere lawnmower (I kept waiting for someone to say famous slogan, "Nothing runs like a Deere") and heads out on the highway. The trip from Iowa to Wisconsin would probably be a drive of a few hours. But Alvin averages about 5 miles an hour, so it takes closer to six weeks. Along the way we see some lovely scenery and almost every ear of corn in Iowa. It can get tiresome at times, but just when you’re seeing yet another aerial view of the origins of the box of popcorn you’re munching on, Alvin encounters one of several colorful characters who keep the movie interesting. He imparts wisdom to a pregnant runaway teen, swaps World War II stories with a fellow veteran and has other intriguing encounters as he nears his destination. It’s a story of aging with dignity and determination, as well as a look at America’s heartland and its people and places.
Richard Farnsworth’s performance is so natural, it’s hard to believe this is not the real Alvin but a brilliant 79-year-old actor. Harry Dean Stanton as his brother Lyle is seen only in the last reel (but is given second billing); Sissy Spacek is perfect as Alvin’s mildly retarded daughter Rose.
THREE OWLS (OUT OF FIVE)