The Straight Story [DVD]

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).

I will never tire of watching this film.I first saw this film back in 2000 and it has not lost any of its magic.The film tells the true story of Alvin Straight, who in 1994, then 73 years old but with failing eyes and bad legs, drives his riding mower 260 miles to visit his estranged brother who has recently suffered a stroke.A truly heartwarming masterpiece. Though simple in it’s conception the direction and acting is first class.A must watch :-)

Simply put,this is Lynch’s best film. This completely blind-sided me with it’s simplicity,decency and honesty. The landscapes slide by to an accompanying soundtrack of mellow country-folk as he gently steers the story of an ageing Everyman on an alternative kind of road-trip-to-redemption story. I love Lynch’s quirky,dark,dystopian vision and here there is none of it. This is just pure story telling mixed in with a patient eye for colour,hue and scenery. And camera sun flares........ lovely in every way with a last scene steal from Harry Dean of course.

Lovely film. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The main character was played by an actor who had had a very long career as both an actor, and a stuntman. He was a real gentleman, who refused to swear in his films!I found out he had terminal cancer while making this film, and it seemed to me that this film was important to him, because of the messages contained within the story, about kindness to family, and equally important, kindness to strangers.Although it seems such a slight, gentle film - it's one of the best films I've seen. The pace is slow(literally!) - so not a film for people who like fast moving storylines and action.

Perfect, perfect, perfect. A small gem which will fill your heart with humanity without ever being sentimental. David Lynch's style avoids what could easily be a hokey approach. An unforgettable homage to the value of every person, no matter how seemingly insignificant.

What a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours! I found this film interesting and engaging; entertaining and amusing. David Lynch’s films are usually a little odd but he stays very much on the straight and narrow here.This offering won’t blow you away but it will leave you with a feeling of satisfaction at the close. There are some great little cameos tucked away in here, non-more so than when Alvin is negotiating his repair bills or divulging his awful secret from WW11.His charm is that he is very street wise, candid in his convictions, but also willing to give the folks he meets the benefit of his experience - the young female hitch hiker for instance? Oh yes, he also likes hot dogs!However, just because age is on his side, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he gets it all right? This journey is made as a realization that certain things have to be put right – before it’s too late!Sadly, as previously mentioned in other reviews, Richard Farnsworth had cancer whilst making this film. A year later its diagnosis was terminal; Richard shot himself at his 60 acre ranch in New Mexico. He was nominated for several major ‘best actor’ awards for this role - it’s a pity they escaped him. Nonetheless, he still had a very satisfactory career in film and television.