MovieChat Forums > The Straight Story (1999) Discussion > Alvin's Beer

Alvin's Beer

posted 14 years ago by Mark_Graisons_Moustache
1 reply | jump to latest

Near the end of the film, Alvin stops at a bar and gets a beer. How do you interpret this part of the film?

Obviously the audience is not supposed to collectively gasp and say "OH NO! ALVIN'S DRINKING AGAIN!" I think this scene shows that Alvin has reached a spot in his life where he is at peace with himself and his mistakes and his entire life. Now he can have a beer and be good, and alcohol no longer holds a power over his life to control the way he behaves.

"Mr. Bond, you defy all my attempts to plan an amusing death for you."

[–] PoppyTransfusion 13 years ago

Obviously the audience is not supposed to collectively gasp and say "OH NO! ALVIN'S DRINKING AGAIN!"

I also think that when he drinks the beer is significant - before going to Lyle's house where he hopes to be reconciled with him. I took it as Dutch Courage as much as some sense of achievement that means he could not only have a beer, but try one he'd not had before.

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