The Straight Story (1999)

David Lynch's "The Straight Story" is undeniably his most compassionate and thoughtful film to date and remains emotionally effective to this day. Additionally, more themes and messages can be drawn with each viewing. The story covers an older Mr. Straight as he makes his way to another state on a lawn mower to see his brother. Performances are authentic and genuine all across the board with some touching moments that feel so emotionally raw for a "G" rated film. While it may be a David Lynch film and his stamp is certainly on it, the story feels straightforward and far from abstract as you might expect. However, that doesn't take away the deeply thought-provoking nature of the film.The story seems to explore old age and one old man's place in a world he has trouble seeing himself again. One who can't do the things he can anymore but wishes maybe certain things were different. We see a man coming to terms with who he is and what choices he's made in his life and while it feels soul searching, it never becomes pretentious or preachy. Lynch and the screenwriters manage to balance realism and emotional interpretation of the character's circumstances. Story and performances aside, "The Straight Story" is technically brilliant and beautifully constructed. Breathtaking landscape shots feel painted with the most saturated of colors while every close-ups capture character's emotion and response in a natural way.This is definitely a slower paced film which might turn the younger audience off. There are times when the pace can drag and become a little inpatient but once someone finishes the film, they'll want to see it again. This is not only a highly recommended (and forgotten) David Lynch film but just a wonderful movie in general.

David Lynch is one of my a-list directors, although Mulholland Dr. is the only one I have ever seen, when my interpretation told me what's it about,I was stunned , from time to time I'm awake in morning ,I know some thing appeared in my dream is what appeared in Mulholland Dr. ,it's awesome.The straight story is my second journey with David Lynch, a totally different experience , but the result is same , stunned.With several split-screens ,Lynch briefly tells the condition about the Straight and his living environment, which raise a question in my head then , how Lynch can weave a 2 hours movie after that? A long journey From Iowa to Mississippi , an old ill-man with his Mower? sounds boring.Alvin Straights' (Farnsworth) first attempt terminated due to the broken of the mower , but when he begins his second attempt, the story start hit me bit by bit , come across a wayward young girl who are running away and the Bundle of sticks fable , which may be a little cliché to me in other place , is now perfectly fit in this story , a nice family helped him when his Mower broke again after a dangerous drive , and the beautiful narrative of the WWII sniper story , lots of detail on the trip , just like a fantastic picture unfold bit by bit slowly , quietly , and emotionally , but the most beautiful part still left at the end of story , when his brother ask him when he saw the almost broken Mower ,'you just drive that thing long way to see me ?',My eyes has the same effect with Straights' brother , my heart was moved totally.In my Cultural desert nation, I'm proud to say that I still be capable of have some feeling in this movie ,and I have to thank David Lynch to let me know it

Maybe I should be more specific. This film is great because of it's incredible story. Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) is an elderly man living with his daughter Rose Straight (Sissy Spacek) in Iowa. When he hears that his brother Lyle Straight (Harry Dean Stanton) had a stroke he heads over to his home in Wisconsin to check on him. But Alvin has no driver's license so he drives on a John Deere 110 lawn mower. It is based on the true story of Alvin Straight who drove his lawn mower to check on his suffering brother. What I like about this film is the story, the cinematography and especially the acting. Alvin drives and meets many people on his way, including a runaway girl, a bunch of cyclists, and a friendly family who fixes his tractor when it breaks. I don't want to give away the ending but it's really great. Check this one out.

Read the comments of Michel O'Neil in this IMDb site about this movie and would like to register it is exactly what I would like to say about it. Bye the way I see that Michel is from Boulder - Colorado, a city that is forever immortalized in song by the great Emmylou Harris, when he produced "Boulder To Birmingham" - a sublime moment in American music - a tribute to Gram Parsons, deceased, perhaps the greatest love of your life at that time (early 70s). I'm here in Brazil, thousands of miles away, but thanks to music and movies, I have all very close to me, in my heart. But I will talk about this wonderful film. Alvin's journey to review your brother, sick, piloting a small garden tractor, is something that hits bottom our hearts and minds. It is impossible not to be infected by the admirable spirit of Alvin. The stages of the journey are also steps to reflect. Alvin, demonstrating a huge detachment and an uncommon strength of character, embarks on a journey that is a true epic. In his small tractor is slowly going through a beautiful area, finding the most different people in their way. And Alvin influences the life of each of them, with their way of being, with its observations and with his charisma. But it is also affected by what he sees and the people with whom they live. It is undoubtedly a powerful film. It is one of the best and most touching films ever made, a true masterpiece of cinema, a time of great inspiration from David Lynch.