Review of Get Low (2010) by Matt W — 28 Mar 2011

I started watching this movie thinking I would get a light-hearted, sweet, funny, witty little Dramedy. It turns out that I really didn't get this at all. What I got, was an extremely deep, heartfelt character study, with some wonderful acting, and amazing narrative. I was truly impressed. Even though the film was radically different than I thought it was going to be, it was still excellent.

Robert Duvall plays a man who isn't quite liked by the other people in town. They hear stories of him when he was younger of him doing horrible things. He decides that he wants to have a funeral for himself, before he dies, so he can hear what people say about him. Bill Murray owns a funeral service, but he's getting bad business. So there is a mutual interest for the two characters. Duvall learns things about himself over the course of the movie, that he didn't know before, revealing his demons, and acquiring atonement for what he has done in the past. It's a great plot, and like I said, it feels extremely heartfelt.

The acting was without a doubt, excellent. Duvall gives a very emotional performance, and some of his monologues really make you tear up. He always seems to approach his rolls with such integrity and professionalism, and he really sets an example for the future generations of actors and actresses to come. He knows how to do it. Bill Murray was also very good, giving a funny, but sometimes serious performance. The rest of the cast was good as well.

I loved how the film was shot. The cinematography wasn't too in your face, but it allowed the audience to experience a beautiful landscape from a long time ago. It seems like it's kind of a throwback into that time period. The visuals were stunning, in their own unique way.

"Get Low" is really just one of those movies that needs to be seen. I don't have much to say about it except it's one of the most interesting and unique plots I've seen in a while, and it's execution is so tear-jerking, and powerful that it will leave you stunned. I highly recommend this movie.