Review of Get Low (2010) by Stu J — 10 Jun 2011

Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) lives the life of a rural hermit in Depression Era Tennessee. Having become something of an enigmatic curiosity in his home town, the rumour mill concocts stories of his dealings with the devil and of the various people this crazy old man wronged and murdered in cold blood; stories which Felix himself does not find unamusing. As Felix becomes increasingly aware of his own mortality, he approaches the self-serving funeral director, Frank Quinn (Bill Murray), to stage a wake for himself while he is still living, inviting everybody who has a story about him to come and tell it. Knowing that few of the townsfolk can resist such an invitation, Felix's covert plan is set in motion to reveal to those assembled the shameful secret behind his self-imposed isolation.

Commencing the film festival circuit way back in 2009, first time director (but long time cinematographer) Aaron Schneider's Get Low finally gets an Aussie (albeit arthouse) release and given the quality of the story telling and the calibre of the performances therein, one wonders why it took so long.

The film plays very much as a Coen-style indie flick in it's tone and understated humour and likewise presents itself as a "small" film despite sporting a high-calibre cast which also includes Sissy Spacek.

Robert Duvall is exquisite as the lonely old hermit earnestly seeking redemption for past wrongs, bringing to his role a measure of grace and good humour. Sissy Spacek likewise so. Bill Murray is in fine form delivering his trademark dryness and hilarity as the narcissistic funeral director. Competent support is provided by Lucas Black and Bill Cobbs.

Get Low is that rare beast that embodies what is great about cinema in terms of simple but intriguing story telling and wonderfully drafted characters but sadly few will likely hear of it. Those who do seek it out, however, will find the effort most worthwhile.