#24 The Straight Story

It is a nice movie. Despite the uncomplicated plot, it delights, moves, sometimes entertains. It is well played, directed and photographed. Introduces the viewer to a calm, stabilized world, is full of reflection on the passing of time, the meaning of existence. He also talks about determination in pursuit of goals despite many opposites of fate.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this movie. It's a nice story and somehow beautiful in its simplicity but the plot was way too slow for me. However, I liked this one scene with deer lady. I love this kind of being dramatic.

The movie was really enjoyable, in two words - warmth and simplicity. I would never believe in so much kindness from strangers that Alvin Straight's received if I wouldn’t have known it was a true story from 1994. At first, I didn’t understand why he chose to go from Iowa to Wisconsin on a lawnmower. There were other ways too, but I quickly realized, that the point was that it was his own journey, he just needed to do it that way, no another. He was faced with a choice between aging at home or having one more trip, the last taste of freedom, and see Lyle.
The film is simple, yes, but it doesn’t mean it can’t have some humor in it. My favorite parts are: the Deer Lady and Dorothy’s line: What's the number for 911?
I like the way of learning about Alvin’s past throughout the movie when he was sharing his memories with just meet strangers. Also, the viewer gets two hours of shots of rural America as an addition.

I feel like the biggest lesson “Straight Story” is teaching is about siblings. It is mentioned many times throughout the film. We could see Alvin talking to The Olsen twins ( I don’t know why I expected the mechanics to be the real Olsen twins) about how important they are for each other and he told them not to argue and just get along.
The quote about Alvin’s children sums that meaning perfectly and can make some viewers shed a tear:
“I'd give each one of 'em a stick and, one for each one of 'em, then I'd say, 'You break that.' Course they could real easy. Then I'd say, 'Tie them sticks in a bundle and try to break that.' Course they couldn't. Then I'd say, 'That bundle... that's family.”

The plot was kinda clear but I really enjoyed this movie. This film calls for a bit of patience from the viewer but proves to be extremely touching. Especially moving was the bar scene with two veterans discussing the events of fifty years ago and how it still affected their current lives. What I also loved in this movie was the fact it was emotional but also humorous though. Its also very pleasant to see a film where the characters are really friendly and polite. The cinematography is magnificent.

I didn't liked the movie, the plot was way to slow for me. I think I'm not patient enough for this kind of movies, I'm more used to action ones.

The last modyfication on 25 June 2020, 2:12 pm, by swm4r