The Straight Story

'Straight Story' is good for so many different reasons. David Lynch is one of my favourite directors, so I am pretty biased in calling him a genius, but this film truly puts his artist's vision on full display. Though much more 'mainstream' (although how could one ever give this label to Lynch) than his other films, 'Story' contains many elements which definately mark this work as his own. Fascinatingly bizarre (yet strangely real and familiar) characters, often odd camera angles and weird dialogue all inhabit this film.

Performances by the late Richard Farnsworth and Sissy Spacek are so flawless and dead-on real that they can't even be called performances. Farnsworth is especially touching in the poignant role of Alvin Straight, and I believe will long be remembered to be his best role.

Of course, what would a post-'Elephant Man' Lynch film be without the music of Angelo Badelementi? Although quite different from his past masterworks for 'Twin Peaks' and 'Lost Highway', the music he composes still remains beautiful and haunting, a great companion to the visuals Lynch creates.

Some people may feel that this film was stiffed at the Oscars. Heck, I'm glad it wasn't nominated for more. Those statuettes could do nothing but tarnish the true gold found in this movie.


A beautiful, economical and heartfelt film   March 14, 2003
J. Remington (Adams, Oregon USA)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

David Lynch, one of the contemporary cinema's true magicians, converts his power to casting white magic in this quietly intoxicating ode to silent reflection and natural beauty.

One of the great keys to telling a great story on film lies in not what is said and done, but often what isn't. This is admittedly what often turns me away from Lynch's other works. Here, he embraces economy and finds gentle hope in America's heartland.

"The Straight Story" is exactly what the title implies: a story about sticking to the essentials of honest linear narrative structure and leaving out anything extra. It is so promising that this film was made even at all. All too often, Film makers treat their audiences like idiots and feel that every motivation, thought and reaction must be dictated through rapid editing, snappy one-liners, super stunts and CGI effects all set to a blaring soundtrack.

"The Straight Story" is a movie about quiet truths and requires the audience to fill in the blanks. Fine case in point: in the film, Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) listens to a woman vent about running over deer. As she screeches off in her compact car, Alvin simply stares down at the deer. Usually, the filmmaker will insist upon some quick quip that comments on the action and the character, but not here. We simply move on to see Straight cooking a piece of venison over a campfire while being stared at by a molded plastic deer lawn sculpture. The scene where Farnsworth and another aged actor whisper and bare the scars of the their wartime experiences is also another fine moment that simply happens. Lynch allows the camera to lovingly and tenderly hold on his actors' beautifully weatherbeaten faces. These are wise men who have seen much more than we could ever possibly imagine.

Sissy Spacek, Richard Farnsworth and the rest of the cast give fully fleshed out and three dimensional characters. The film is quietly moving without the slightest hint of sentimental seasoning. It earns its happy ending honestly. Thank you David Lynch for creating a genuine near classic work of American Film Art. A worthy addition to any home film library. And one the entire family can watch and enjoy.


What a priviledge   June 24, 2004
A. Darnell (Missouri, USA)
7 out of 9 found this review helpful

Where do you begin with a film that is as beautiful, poetic, moving, powerful, substantial, grounding, uplifting, and definitively sublime as The Straight Story. From it's emotionally and technically pitch perfect score by Angelo Badalamenti to the brilliant direction of David Lynch, the film takes us on a journey we will never forget.
Despite everything I've offered, the film depends upon one man- Richard Farnsworth. In his last role, his award-winning performance is a master class in listening and being. He IS Alvin Straight instead of acting like Alvin Straight. His beautiful blue eyes are weary with pain and memories. I have never seen the eyes convey so very much. To watch his scene at the bar and not have a resounding physical reaction- well, there may be no help for your soul.

Simply put, allow yourself the priviledge of viewing The Straight Story.


A Jewel   February 20, 2006
Paul Wake (Utah)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Others have justly reviewed this movie positively, and I'm not going to say more except to weigh in with a five star vote to help keep the movie's rating high. It's one of the best movies there is. You'll have to be a grown up to appreciate this film. It is not fast paced. The music is a tremendous complement to the film, the cinematography is just right, it's just a jewel. It's a pity it isn't better known.