Review of Get Low (2010) by Phillip M — 18 Apr 2011

Anticipation for Get Low has been high, ever since I heard about its release in the late summer season for films. Finally, I was able to watch it, and was completely engrossed by it. It takes a little more European approach to it, as there isn't much action. Warning to all those who expect a barrage of things to happen. It's more character driven. It's all in the way Felix Bush works and lives his life.

Mr Bush (Duvall) has been living in solitude for more than 40 years. In that time he's made a reputation for himself, by doing absolutely nothing. Crazy fables have been fabricated and the essence of Bush has become that he is a loony old man who had done some immoral things. And while dozens of people have created or heard stories about him, Bush has never told anyone anything about himself. The first thing we get to know about him is that he is planning his own funeral party and he wants to attend, alive. It's here, will we know more about the man's secretive life.

The most prominent element in the film is the acting. The four main actors are committed to their roles, but no one tops Duvall. Bill Murray comes close, his deadpan delivery really works, and adds to the quirky humour the film carries. But the nuanced performance of Duvall, his facial expressions, the pauses, everything about his performance is great. Watching the revealing of his secret felt so personal and real. He didn't oversell what happened and didn't come off as completely indifferent to it. Lucas Black played well off both Murray and Duvall and really acted as centralization between of the quirkiness of Duvall and Murray. His character grounded the film and didn't let Get Low become too out-there. And Spacek, does brokenhearted really well. All four of these performances relied on subtlety--the movie's main tone. But also, Bill Cobbs acting in the movie added some sort of wisdom. I'm not sure how, but when he speaks, it feels as if he is the most important man in the world.

The story itself is intriguing. I think that some people may find that the conclusion isn't quite worth the buildup. Not to trivialize the situation, the delivery by Duvall was excellent and well-suited, but those expecting to hear something that was unspeakable for 40 plus years, may want a different secret. The way everything unfolds is a bit too slow. But with Get Low, all you have to do is pick and choose. Choose a character to invest your time in and allow yourself to be lost.

An 8/10 for excellent, excellent acting. Bogged down a little by the languid pace. Great location shooting--the atmosphere and feel of a 30s was certainly there. Completely overlooked film of 2010 and definitely worth a watch.