The Straight Story

1999 "A true story that proves a little determination goes a very, very long way."
8| 1h52m| G| en
Details

A retired farmer and widower in his 70s, Alvin Straight learns one day that his distant brother Lyle has suffered a stroke and may not recover. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver's license. Then he hits on the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey.

Trailers & Clips

Also starring Jane Galloway Heitz

Reviews

Perry Kate Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!
PlatinumRead Just so...so bad
CookieInvent There's a good chance the film will make you laugh out loud, but if it doesn't, there's an even better chance it will make you openly sob.
KnotStronger This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.
kluseba ''The Straight Story'' is an authentic, heart-warming and optimistic road movie about an old man who wants to make peace with his estranged brother and goes on a long trip on his lawn mower to meet him one last time. This film is basically the antithesis of David Lynch's other movies which are often gloomy, surreal and uneasy. Still, there are a few typical David Lynch trademarks in this film. The characters are very eclectic and developed in a detailed manner. The camera techniques are calm and smooth. The movie's pace is slow and I would even describe it as peaceful.One thing that stands out is the acting of Richard Farnsworth. It doesn't feel like he is playing a character. It feels like he is just being himself: a stubborn, thoughtful and wise old man who wants to do things his way. This character is very likable which helps viewers caring for or even identifying with the character. Even the side characters are very profound and sympathetic. The main character only meets friendly people along the road that help him out when he is running out of money, looking for shelter or having an accident. I thought that the conversation with a young female runaway about family values around a campfire and the conversation between two war veterans in a bar were absolute emotional highlights of this film. Scenes like these offer a lot of food for thought and may make more sensitive viewers cry because they are so beautiful. The dialogues add a lot to this since they are written with great care. The main character doesn't speak much but when he does so, he always has something meaningful to say. Since the movie is based upon true events, it even feels more authentic and could be situated somewhere between a drama and documentary.The movie has a very philosophical side without ever being pretentious. Recurring topics are the beauty of nature, coping with loss and sadness, dealing with painful memories, the downsides of getting old, the meaning of life, optimism and perseverance in difficult circumstances and the values of family and friendship. While younger audiences might find this movie too smooth, it has so much depth and talks about what life really is about. I would suggest any teenager or young adult to experience this film with an open mind and to think about the real essence of life beyond money, popularity and wealth.David Lynch once said that ''The Straight Story'' might be his most experimental film and this is definitely the case. It's an emotional, meaningful and wise movie where sensitive scriptwriters, an imaginative director and gifted actors joined forces to create a truly beautiful gem that should be more popular than it is.
utgard14 A charming and heartfelt story, based on real people and events. It's no surprise to see the Disney name attached but there is quite a bit of surprise (for me, at least) to see David Lynch directed this. It's certainly unlike any of his other work. It's a slow movie but a genuine and special one with a truly great cast and realistic dialogue. The story is about an elderly man named Alvin Straight who drives his riding mower hundreds of miles to see his estranged brother who recently had a stroke. Richard Farnsworth plays Alvin and gives an amazingly understated performance. Sadly, and perhaps fittingly, this would be his final film. Sissy Spacek is exceptional as his mentally disabled daughter. There's a wonderful supporting cast of fine actors, particularly those who play the many people that Alvin meets on his journey. That deer woman was something else. It's just such a good film. Not for all tastes, I'm sure, but rewarding for those who give it a chance.
ofpsmith Maybe I should be more specific. This film is great because of it's incredible story. Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) is an elderly man living with his daughter Rose Straight (Sissy Spacek) in Iowa. When he hears that his brother Lyle Straight (Harry Dean Stanton) had a stroke he heads over to his home in Wisconsin to check on him. But Alvin has no driver's license so he drives on a John Deere 110 lawn mower. It is based on the true story of Alvin Straight who drove his lawn mower to check on his suffering brother. What I like about this film is the story, the cinematography and especially the acting. Alvin drives and meets many people on his way, including a runaway girl, a bunch of cyclists, and a friendly family who fixes his tractor when it breaks. I don't want to give away the ending but it's really great. Check this one out.
ingmarson21 I'm writing review about a film that I haven't watched for about a year. However before that it had been 4 or 5 times I had that pleasure and it's just now when I decided to comment. The straight story is the tale about the journey to the beginning. Well , they say that childhood comes two times in life. Once in the first years of life and another at the end of the life, off course if you're lucky enough to reach old age. But that's not the childhood i want to talk about, but the thing around the childhood, cause that's the time when you're i guess "Truest" of all. And you are also part of family, part of what gave you a birth and what in fact you are. And all the family members are part of you. But then comes the time when you go away, you become a little bit stranger. However when you become old you want to rejoin your roots. And that's what Straight Story's magic is. Alvin Straight is making journey through the beautiful landscapes of America but also he's making journey to the past , and that past is future, and both of them are the combining parts of that "Truest". And what Alvin does on the road is just to share everything he learned during his life with people who still have time to go that road. Straight story has the most natural philosophy of all. Here are neither suffered Bergmanic faces talking about the deep spiritual emptiness, nor the half smiling Godaric faces talking about the meaning of life in metro. Here everything is clear, everything comes to the surface and that's what makes the movie a masterpiece. Lynchs dynamic a little bit bleak directing, Badalamenti's masterful score and photographer's outstanding work off course are also in business. I do really think that it's the greatest Lynch film ever. And probably the best picture of all 90's.