Review of Get Low (2010) by Aaron R — 25 Feb 2011

There's only one word I can think of that can adequately describe this film, and it's a word that is so rare to find at the cinema today: lovely. From it's story to its performances, it's vivid setting (Depression-era Tennessee), photography, music and direction, this film slowly casts a spell that eventually pulls you in and works magic on your heart and mind.

At the center of it is a great, iconic turn by the great, iconic Robert Duvall, so wonderful at instantly suggesting mystery and majesty. Here he plays an old hermit who wants to throw his own funeral to see it himself, and see what "stories" the locals have to tell about him.

Duvall so lives in this man, utterly convincing in every gesture and line reading, that the fact that he was passed up for an Oscar nomination is criminal. Same goes for Bill Murray, who brings his usual dry, sardonic delivery to his character but also reveals humanity and vulnerability in a way that is sublime.

Oscar-winner Sissy Spacek shines especially in her scenes with Duvall. Lucas Black delivers his most mature and understated performance yet, and the grand Bill Cobbs further classes things up in a terrific supporting turn.

Aaron Schneider has made a whimsical feature debut. He delicately reveals the story's secrets as it all leads up to a touching finale, and he has a fine command of the technical aspects--gorgeous natural lighting, lovely bluegrass soundtrack, and, most of all, his remarkable cast, lead by Duvall and Murray.

Together they have crafted one of 2010's best, a flat-out lovely film.