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THE STRAIGHT STORY review

Published at: Oct 19, 1999 5:32:40 AM CDT

Alrighty folks... Now I could be kitschy as hell and go on about transvestites and pink poodle dogs... but since this is a film with neither.... I won't.

This is the infamous G-rated Disney released David Lynch film.... THE STRAIGHT STORY.

The film stars Diamond Dick Farnsworth (that's Richard Farnsworth to ya kids) and folks... alongside Kevin Spacey's Lester from AMERICAN BEAUTY this is the best performance from an actor in a featured role this year.

Now there I sat on my typical fourth row of the Paramount Theater. My favorite seats there... Beyond hearing about the beauty that the cinematography in this film was to entrance it's audience with... I hadn't heard too much.

However, there is so much more. This movie doesn't drag... it moves at the speed of a riding lawnmower driven by one our greatest character actors getting his days and nights of center stage.

Now, back in March I had seen ABILENE with Ernest Borgnine in the role of the riding lawnmower pilot. Now... Personally I figured this film, THE STRAIGHT STORY, was getting more credit due solely to the attachment of David Lynch.... Nothing could be further from the truth.

ABILENE was a story... beginning, middle and end. THE STRAIGHT STORY is a lyrical journey on par with Ethan Edward's journey in John Ford's THE SEARCHERS. In that film John Wayne has something that he has to do. It's a journey he must complete. It's slow... years upon horseback. But nothing will impede his quest. In UNFORGIVEN, Clint Eastwood is a down and out retired Gunfighter. He's been domesticated.... his heart has been broken and ya know.... That's simply the way life can split you in two.

In THE STRAIGHT STORY, you hear the stories that weigh on this man's soul. What happened to put all that searching and distance in Farnsworth's stare here.

In SAVING PRIVATE RYAN... Spielberg attempts this a tad... the infamous, 'Have I earned it,' speech. It felt forced. But there is a scene between two WWII vets in a bar in this film... no hysterics... no foul language... just pure emotional delivery straight forward and deliverd with verve.

It is devastating. My heart trembled. Imagine Clint Eastwood's character in UNFORGIVEN.... with another 20 years of sorrow added to his life. The look on all those men's faces... burnt... etched into his corneas for all time. This was the horror left in his mind.

The story about his daughter played by Sissy Spacek. My god. Even now... some 7 days since seeing this film, I am not yet cured from the heart wrenching anquish that watching one child picking up a ball means in the mind of Spacek. It's haunting. And Farnsworth doesn't tell these stories weeping. He's lived the stories... he's told them before. He's made his peace with them. But don't mistake his emotion restraint for a lack of emotion.... it's there. A great big Hoover Dam load of tears piled up on the other side of those eyes. But he's proud... No need to cry over spilt milk right?

Well...

Man... I don't like writing about this movie. It conjures up memories so real and honest feeling regarding pain and loss. The story is filled with redemption and doing the right thing. I wouldn't say it's a happy film, there are smiles and laughs... just as there are tears and regrets.

But make no mistake about it... for my money with the exception of my favorite Lynch film, THE ELEPHANT MAN, I feel this is his next best. It's honest and real. I felt that Lynch entered into a period of shock cinema where he was merely trying to out-Lynch himself. As a result he became boring to me.

This isn't to say this film isn't without it's own Lynch quirks... the film is riddled with them. But it's in a realistic dose.

Both Farnsworth and Spacek should both be up for Oscar gold along with Lynch and his cinematographer on this film. Amazing work. Very personal and resonant.

Now... I want to discuss a very touch spoiler because I have what I consider an interesting view upon something that was not shown on screen, but it involves a couple of major plot points that you WILL NOT WANT TO HEAR PRIOR TO SEEING THIS FILM! SO.... BACK TO THE FRONT PAGE WITH YA!!!!

Alrighty.... your last chance...

Ok. Here I go...

In the film, we never hear what went on between Farnsworth and his brother (who's identity I will not spoil). It is my belief that his brother is who was babysitting for Sissy when the fire broke out.... that he had been drinking... that he caused the fire through negligence. That he added sorrow and hopelessness to a girl who was fragile enough as she was. So that long trek... that was his journey to remember his brother and to forgive and swallow his own pride. He needed a couple of months staring into the sky remembering his brother giggling... sighing... and remember that his brother... was after all was said and done... still his brother.

The movie is very zen... You must become one... not only with Richard Farnsworth... but his lawnmower. If you ever take a moment in life to watch the sun set or the tide come in... A storm rain itself out... If sitting at a campfire is a wonder and telling stories a joy. Then... perhaps you will find yourself as stunned by THE STRAIGHT STORY as I was...

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Readers Talkback

Nov 30, 1999 12:07:32 AM CST

Beautiful--best film so far this year.

by magnoliaman

I finally got to see this film today and can only say that it was perfect. All the little things that make or break a film---the small directorial decisions---are exactly right. The film is emotional in a stunningly complicated way. I've never felt the way I did in "The Straight Story" in any other film. The film is, of course, not ironic, something that Lynch has been falsely charged with in the past. Twin Peaks had a lot of humour but Lynch loved those characters. He wasn't making fun of them. We're seeing the same thing with people criticizing American Movie right now. Because our sitcom culture laughs at anyone who is different, any film that embraces eccentricity and baffles our expectations, is labelled ironic. Lynch loves his characters and always has. Those who are really familiar with him, through "Lynch on Lynch" and "Pretty as a Picture," realize that Lynch is a tremendous humanitarian and that it visible all over this gorgeous film. Please see it.

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Subject

Content I finally got to see this film today and can only say that it was perfect. All the little things that make or break a film---the small directorial decisions---are exactly right. The film is emotional in a stunningly complicated way. I've never felt the way I did in "The Straight Story" in any other film. The film is, of course, not ironic, something that Lynch has been falsely charged with in the past. Twin Peaks had a lot of humour but Lynch loved those characters. He wasn't making fun of them. We're seeing the same thing with people criticizing American Movie right now. Because our sitcom culture laughs at anyone who is different, any film that embraces eccentricity and baffles our expectations, is labelled ironic. Lynch loves his characters and always has. Those who are really familiar with him, through "Lynch on Lynch" and "Pretty as a Picture," realize that Lynch is a tremendous humanitarian and that it visible all over this gorgeous film. Please see it.
Nov 30, 1999 12:28:14 AM CST

The Straight Story

by aaen

This is the first time I have been on this site, and I am impressed, and all I have done here so far is read one review. The first thing I did was go directly to your review of the David Lynch film "The Straight Story". You nailed it. Your review is along side Eberts as the best I've read. This is the best film of the year, if not the past five years. Never has a film moved me or made me believe in life the way this did. Looking forward to more great reviews.

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Subject

Content This is the first time I have been on this site, and I am impressed, and all I have done here so far is read one review. The first thing I did was go directly to your review of the David Lynch film "The Straight Story". You nailed it. Your review is along side Eberts as the best I've read. This is the best film of the year, if not the past five years. Never has a film moved me or made me believe in life the way this did. Looking forward to more great reviews.
Dec 16, 1999 2:53:55 PM CST

wonderful film

by egami

i have been waiting to see this film for quite a while, and i finally got to see it yesterday. well, being a big Lynch fan i knew i would probably like it. i was right, and it was great. the problem with it's popularity is that it is G. if parents take their kids to see this movie instead of "Toy Story 2" the parents and children will both be dissapointed... however, just because its G doesn't mean that Lynch doesn't make the movie... well, Lynchish. he adds his various off-beat peices to an otherwise touching movie and the outcome is spectacular.

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Subject

Content i have been waiting to see this film for quite a while, and i finally got to see it yesterday. well, being a big Lynch fan i knew i would probably like it. i was right, and it was great. the problem with it's popularity is that it is G. if parents take their kids to see this movie instead of "Toy Story 2" the parents and children will both be dissapointed... however, just because its G doesn't mean that Lynch doesn't make the movie... well, Lynchish. he adds his various off-beat peices to an otherwise touching movie and the outcome is spectacular.
Dec 28, 1999 2:09:08 PM CST

Last American Road Movie of the 20th Century

by bswise

There were talkbacks here... there were. Don't know where they went... I guess they just had to go. For those in wonder, don't forget to see this movie while it's still up there. There will never be another road movie in this century of road movies and this is the end of the road - the last taste of freedom for a dying generation. A beautiful film, a masterpiece of simplicity. STRAIGHT STORY deserves a nod for BEST Pic, Best Director, Bst Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Score, Best Actor (Farnsworth) and Best Supporting Actress (Spacek) - good luck to all and have a Happy New Century! Drive safe now, y'here?

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Subject

Content There were talkbacks here... there were. Don't know where they went... I guess they just had to go. For those in wonder, don't forget to see this movie while it's still up there. There will never be another road movie in this century of road movies and this is the end of the road - the last taste of freedom for a dying generation. A beautiful film, a masterpiece of simplicity. STRAIGHT STORY deserves a nod for BEST Pic, Best Director, Bst Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Score, Best Actor (Farnsworth) and Best Supporting Actress (Spacek) - good luck to all and have a Happy New Century! Drive safe now, y'here?
Dec 30, 1999 3:20:40 PM CST

Damn fine film!

by noman

I don't have too much to say that wasn't said in Harry's excellent review but there are two things I'd like to point out that I particularly enjoyed about the movie.

One is the fact that there aren't any assholes in the movie. I kept waiting for some state trooper to be mean to Alvin or for some young thugs to beat him up or make fun of him or steal his food or money. But it never happened. The people he encounters are nice to him. They treat him with respect even when he almost kills himself on that steep hill. I think in a lesser film the director would have felt a need for some "bad" people to show the audience how difficult Alvin's journey is. But Lynch knows that we know how difficult the journey is anyway.

The other thing I liked was the sparseness of the script. There isn't much dialogue in this film and that only seems to highten the impact of the dialogue there is. Harry mentioned the scence between Alvin and another WWII vet and he's right about how shattering it is. The ending to the movie is another good example.

I was expecting some kind of big blow-up or huge crying scene between Alvin and his brother, Lyle, when Alvin finally gets to his brother's place. Instead there is just a question from one brother and an answer from the other and then the movie fades out. Perfect.

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Subject

Content I don't have too much to say that wasn't said in Harry's excellent review but there are two things I'd like to point out that I particularly enjoyed about the movie. One is the fact that there aren't any assholes in the movie. I kept waiting for some state trooper to be mean to Alvin or for some young thugs to beat him up or make fun of him or steal his food or money. But it never happened. The people he encounters are nice to him. They treat him with respect even when he almost kills himself on that steep hill. I think in a lesser film the director would have felt a need for some "bad" people to show the audience how difficult Alvin's journey is. But Lynch knows that we know how difficult the journey is anyway. The other thing I liked was the sparseness of the script. There isn't much dialogue in this film and that only seems to highten the impact of the dialogue there is. Harry mentioned the scence between Alvin and another WWII vet and he's right about how shattering it is. The ending to the movie is another good example. I was expecting some kind of big blow-up or huge crying scene between Alvin and his brother, Lyle, when Alvin finally gets to his brother's place. Instead there is just a question from one brother and an answer from the other and then the movie fades out. Perfect.
Jan 10, 2000 2:26:00 PM CST

A breath of fresh air

by nap ahoy

Well, this one finally made it to Podunkville, Ohio, for a weekend showing, and it was worth the wait. It's terrific! I can't say enough good things about it, but one thing that gets me in particular is what NOMAN above wrote. There aren't any thugs in it! I too was half expecting--due to insidious mainstream brainwashing-- some kind of confrontation with some sort of typical Hollywoodized Heavy. So much so, it was almost a distraction. I was kind of figuring on the Big Chase Scene at the end: A black car with tinted windows pulls up and tries to bump Alvin off the road. They scrape fenders. A window lowers. There's gunfire, but Alvin's okay! Suddenly, the evil black car hits a deer and careens into the ditch where it bursts into flames. Alvin lifts his hat and wipes his brow. His thoughts of lunch quickly turn to concern as a black helicopter swoops down behind. A machine gun fires. Bullets ricochet off the mower, but The old man is unharmed. Undaunted, he continues on his way. Through a hail of poorly-aimed guided missiles, Alvin drives his lawnmower under an overpass. The Helicopter Heavies, intent on their mission, see the bridge too late, and crash into it with a dramatic, firey explosion. Smoking, burning wreckage rains down on the road...and on Alvin too?! Dear God, No!!! But Wait! Just then--through the wall of smoke--emerges Alvin, still atop his John Deere, unscathed. (triumphant crescendo!) Hooray!!! But it didn't happen. There are no wacked-out antagolackeys. The movie doesn't need them. And I just thought it was like a breath of fresh air.

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Subject

Content Well, this one finally made it to Podunkville, Ohio, for a weekend showing, and it was worth the wait. It's terrific! I can't say enough good things about it, but one thing that gets me in particular is what NOMAN above wrote. There aren't any thugs in it! I too was half expecting--due to insidious mainstream brainwashing-- some kind of confrontation with some sort of typical Hollywoodized Heavy. So much so, it was almost a distraction. I was kind of figuring on the Big Chase Scene at the end: A black car with tinted windows pulls up and tries to bump Alvin off the road. They scrape fenders. A window lowers. There's gunfire, but Alvin's okay! Suddenly, the evil black car hits a deer and careens into the ditch where it bursts into flames. Alvin lifts his hat and wipes his brow. His thoughts of lunch quickly turn to concern as a black helicopter swoops down behind. A machine gun fires. Bullets ricochet off the mower, but The old man is unharmed. Undaunted, he continues on his way. Through a hail of poorly-aimed guided missiles, Alvin drives his lawnmower under an overpass. The Helicopter Heavies, intent on their mission, see the bridge too late, and crash into it with a dramatic, firey explosion. Smoking, burning wreckage rains down on the road...and on Alvin too?! Dear God, No!!! But Wait! Just then--through the wall of smoke--emerges Alvin, still atop his John Deere, unscathed. (triumphant crescendo!) Hooray!!! But it didn't happen. There are no wacked-out antagolackeys. The movie doesn't need them. And I just thought it was like a breath of fresh air.
Feb 27, 2000 4:32:13 PM CST

my comments

by mentecata

People, i'm sorry, but Harry (or whoever wrote the review) couldn't write his way out of a paper bag

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Subject

Content People, i'm sorry, but Harry (or whoever wrote the review) couldn't write his way out of a paper bag
Feb 27, 2000 4:37:40 PM CST

Hi, i'm stupid....

by mentecata

And yes, that previous comment of mine went to the wrong place...my bad...disregard that one...

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Subject

Content And yes, that previous comment of mine went to the wrong place...my bad...disregard that one...
Nov 24, 2002 7:43:36 PM CST

SPOILER

by hyacinth

I'm doing a paper on the Straight Story for film class and I've watched the movie seven times already. The first time I watched it, I had no clue who the mysterious arsonist was, I didn't even really think of it....but I did have trouble explaining the image of the burning house that Alvin's lawnmower was racing towards. Harry implies that it was the brother. Hmmm.....okay sure, possible. But what if it was ALVIN who was the drunk who got his grandkid burned in the fire. Now watch it again.....

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Subject

Content I'm doing a paper on the Straight Story for film class and I've watched the movie seven times already. The first time I watched it, I had no clue who the mysterious arsonist was, I didn't even really think of it....but I did have trouble explaining the image of the burning house that Alvin's lawnmower was racing towards. Harry implies that it was the brother. Hmmm.....okay sure, possible. But what if it was ALVIN who was the drunk who got his grandkid burned in the fire. Now watch it again.....

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