Review of Get Low (2010) by Maksim B — 16 Apr 2011

Eccentric movie about an eccentric character, Get Low is a modest and melancholic delivery about the real legend of a man who lost his love, did not search for redemption and went into an exile.

Just like its name, this drama remained low from the surface of Hollywood and the broad audience, despite its obvious attempt to get into the Oscar nominations. The legendary story of a man who chose a 40-year exile and became a legend in the 1930s is told with more dramatic than comedic elements. This is a bit deceiving, given the initial impression for a "dramedy" which it creates in the trailers.And, actually, it would have been even a much better movie if it had not tried to bring up something comedic as well. Where it tries to be funny, Get Low fails and this could be considered as the only real minus of this human drama.

On the brighter side, Get Low combines a wonderfully told story with outstanding performances by Robert Duvall and Bill Murray. Although, we could barely speak of any suspense, the real mystery for Bush's (Duvall) remains until the very end and his character is slowly peeled off like the layers of an onion. With each layer taken, more and more from Bush's character is revealed to the audience, until it reaches the moment of redemption and the much desired by the old eccentric "finale".

Thе Oscar aspirations at the time of the release were clearly focused on Robert Duvall's performance as the old Bush. His totally dominating presence throughout the whole 100 minutes is mysterious and perfected from each small gesture to his final big speech. The support provided by Bill Murray is melancholic and although his attempt to be the "funny counterpart" in this movie flops, he manages to bring a needed emotionless performance, which strengthens the influence of Robert Duvall's character throughout the entire movie.

Get Low is definitely a movie which was underestimated by the Academy and clearly deserved at least some Oscar nods.