The Straight Story (1999)
I am a huge fan of David Lynch. I am a fan of his surreal style, his 'moody' plot lines, his unexplainable mysteries. So being a fan of all that I knew I would see The Straight Story eventually (although it wasn't one of his that i was looking forward too much), but look at that. For all it's simplicity it is as powerful of a film that Lynch has ever done.
I am so happy that Lynch is able to make a film like this. Before this, his most straight-forward film in terms of narrative was no doubt The Elephant Man. But even that film still has some really bleak and surreal imagery going on. Lynch has a really devoted fanbase, but I am sure many critics wouldn't have thought he would be able to direct a film like this. Lynch proves them wrong. He has a humanity and passion that runs throughout his films, and as much of a visceral and visual director that he is, he is also very much an actor's director. He has directed actors to incredible performances, like Watts in Mulholland Dr, Dern in Inland Empire, and Lee in Twin Peaks Fire Walk With Me. Richard Farnsworth is completely captivating in his portrayal of Alvin. He invokes such deep emotions and gives perhaps one of the most nuanced and subtle performances I have ever seen. This doesn't feel theatrical in one bit. For the film's emotional pull I always wonder how much a film can get away with before becoming corny and overly-sentimental, but to my surprise The Straight Story never crossed that path. It's because Lynch isn't trying to make us feel with editing tricks, loud sad music, or corny sentimental dialogue. It is all in his direction and in the actor's faces.
The entire cast is pretty great. They all have limited screen time but they all hit a deep spot in me. This is an incredible film, as great as a film of this nature could be. Heck, I didn't even think I was going to love it, but I did. It is one of Lynch's best films and stands out in his filmography, making it all that more special.
9/10
Fore sure better than Elephant man, Wild at Heart, Lost Highway, and PROBABLY better than Blue Velvet. POSSIBLY better than Eraserhead, and equal to Inland Empire. NOT better than TPFWWM or mulholland Dr
http://www.imdb.com/board/bd0000005/thread/124607950