by Yazmin Ghonaim

THE STRAIGHT STORY David Lynch (1999) Directed by David Lynch and written by John Roach and Mary Sweeney, The Straight Story narrates the eccentric journey of Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth in a very moving performance). Based on a true case, The Straight Story (G-Rated and Disney-owned) follows the 260-mile route that Alvin Straight made in 1994 from Laurens, Iowa to Mt. Zion, Wisconsin on a 1966 John Deere lawnmower. Feeling the pressures of old age, Alvin realizes it is time to reconcile with his brother after many years of estrangement. From lack of better means of transportation, yet most accurately as a symbolic, innocent peregrination towards redemption, Alvin hooks a tiny trailer containing food, a folding chair and a sleeping bag, and sets out on a long and silent journey, traveling at 5 miles per hour and leaving behind a static town and a slightly retarded daughter, Rose (Sissy Spacek). Along the way, Alvin encounters a series of friendly strangers who help him redefine the human need for reconciliation. Faithful to its title's dual meaning, The Straight Story is a film which unfolds as a simple, linear narration and which follows the events of its protagonist, Alvin Straight. Although the film's premise may suggest too much simplicity or even boredom, the susceptible viewer will appreciate The Straight Story's slow pace and will understand Lynch's effective narrative and visual strategies.		DVD Music Books Search by keywords:
Outstanding Features: Acting, Character Development, Editing, Music The Straight Story Movie Review © 1999 Cinephiles - All rights reserved.