Movie Cosmos - The Straight Story

Description:

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.

Top Cast >

Richard Farnsworth

As Alvin

Sissy Spacek

As Rose

Jane Galloway Heitz

As Dorothy

Joseph A. Carpenter

As Bud

Donald Wiegert

As Sig

Tracey Maloney

As Nurse

Dan Flannery

As Doctor Gibbons

Jennifer Edwards

As Brenda

Ed Grennan

As Pete

Jack Walsh

As Apple

Gil Pearson

As Bus Driver

Barbara June Patterson

As Woman on Bus

Everett McGill

As Tom the John Deere Dealer

Anastasia Webb

As Crystal

Matt Guidry

As Steve

Bill McCallum

As Rat

Barbara E. Robertson

As Deer Woman

James Cada

As Danny Riordan

Sally Wingert

As Darla Riordan

Barbara Kingsley

As Janet Johnson

Jim Haun

As Johnny Johnson

Wiley Harker

As Verlyn Heller

Randy Wiedenhoff

As Fireman #1

Jerry E. Anderson

As Fireman #2

Kevin Farley

As Harald

John Farley

As Thorvald

John Lordan

As Priest

Garrett Sweeney

As Boy in Truck

Peter Sweeney

As Boy in Truck

Tommy Fahey

As Boy in Truck

Matt Fahey

As Boy in Truck

Dan Fahey

As Boy in Truck

Russ Reed

As Mt. Zion Bartender

Leroy Swadley

As Bar Patron

Ralph Feldhacker

As Farmer on Tractor

Harry Dean Stanton

As Lyle

Top Crew >

David Lynch

Director

Reviews:

John Chard (9/10)

I want to thank you for your kindness to a stranger.

An absolute delight. From director David Lynch, The Straight Story finds the famous purveyor of the oblique on wonderfully mellow form. Story finds a superb Richard Farnsworth as Alvin Straight, an old boy long in the tooth who sets off across America on his lawn mower to visit his estranged brother. You see, he doesn't have a driving licence, so lawn mower is the viable form of transport.

Lynch and writers John Roach & Mary Sweeney have offered up a wry and astute observation of Americana. The journey Alvin takes involves him meeting a number of eccentrics and confused souls, which pitches Alvin as our conduit to a rich view of the life we have - or will - live. Culminating in a finale that rewards anyone with an intelligent soul. The message is clear.

A beautiful film for the beautiful of heart. 9/10

2016-02-21

r96sk (9/10)

Beautifully made film.

It's a difficult one to describe. 'The Straight Story' features a very touching, true life, story about Alvin Straight. It's a very simple premise but one that the film brings to life wonderfully. There's a crap tonne of heart, alongside some brilliant cinematography and a top notch score.

Richard Farnsworth plays the role of Alvin expertly, it's an outstanding performance from him. Credit also to Sissy Spacek, who makes an impact as Rose despite not really being in the film for all that long. Harry Dean Stanton (Lyle) makes an appearance, too.

It's a slow burn but one that's totally worth the 112 minute run time. What a great way to end the millennium for Disney's live-action theatrical releases.

2020-10-11