Review of The Straight Story (1999) by Adrian B — 04 Mar 2013

Captivating, disheartening tale in which an old man, Alvin Straight, (Richard Farnworth), is discovered to have an increasing number of health issues as he tries to run his Iowa farm. In addition, his mentally handicapped daughter Rose (Sissy Spacek) lives with him.

One day, they receive a letter saying that Alvin's brother (Harry Dean Stanton) has had a stroke. So, with all his health problem still abundant and against the word of both his doctor and daughter, Alvin heads from Iowa to Wisconsin with a tractor (for which the first breakdown so he has to immediately buy a second one) and a huge trailer of personal belongings.

As he travels to his destination, he meets a number of friendly strangers who help him along his way, either by aiding his huge mass transport or by telling tales of their past. Beautifully composed movie, with stirring performances by Farnworth and Spacek.

In fact, Spacek's performance is so accurately portrayed that it is shameful that she was not nominated for this fine act. There is such a natural feeling that overcomes this film, rendering it completely unforgettable.

The final scene is highly emotionally riveting. This is perhaps the best movie David Lynch ever directed.