User Reviews: The Straight Story (1999)
The Straight Story
There was nothing else on, so I tuned in. I guess a good many people would consider this movie boring, or so they would think. I was amazed at how such a simple story captured not only my attention but my heart. I'm familiar with the route that Alvin traveled as I'm from Wisconsin. I'ts hard to believe that anyone, especially a person in his 70's could travel in this fasion for a 5 week period. I can't imagine anyone doing a finer job of portraying the fiesty old gieser than "Richard Farnsworth". The role was meant for him, and I doubt that it would have been that sucseesful if he had'nt come out of retirement. The only disappointment that I had was not knowing how he traveled back home.I don't know how long he visited with Lyle, but if he used the same method of transportation and left soon after his arrival, it would have been mid November by his return. Wisconsin rains and cold would not have allowed for a safe journey. If anyone knows where I can read about the return trip or his stay with Lyle, please let me know.
MaryanneWas this review helpful? Yes - NoDavid Lynch is a master filmmaker
based on a true story, THE STRAIGHT STORY is one of the greatest movies I've ever seen. If you have seen it, definitely check it out.
Was this review helpful? Yes - Nogreat movie, lame DVD
My comments here pertain to the DVD I just bought, not the film, which is amazing (precisely why I bought the DVD). This is a bare-bones DVD that has no extra material, no commentary, no chapter stops even, just the trailer. It comes with a little note from David Lynch that says (to paraphrase) "Most DVDs have chapter stops, but I don't think that movies should be viewed as books, so you'll have to watch The Straight Story in one sitting." Chapter stops are one of the coolest things about DVDs, especially for students, teachers, and fans of film, who can easily reference particular scenes so they can study, write about, discuss them. The notions that making it easy to navigate through a film does some violence to the director's sublime vision, or that the director has privilege to determine how we watch his movies are both stupid and arrogant. P.S. Where are the Eraserhead, Wild at Heart, and Lost Highway DVDs?
Was this review helpful? Yes - NoWarm
This is the warmest, most honest, most unpretentious film I have seen. Though I´m a hardcore Lynch fan, I was not disappointed over the non-bizarre story. This is indeed a Straight Story without strangeness, but what a brilliant description of hope among genuine people in country-side America. The acting is great. So are Badalamenti´s music (as always).
Was this review helpful? Yes - NoThe most generous film ever?
Being a filmmaker/photographer and amateur film historian, I find it very difficult to type the sentence that I am about to type. This is quite simply the greatest film I have ever seen.
Throughout David Lynch's oeuvre, he has consistently displayed both an attraction toward and somewhat of a condemnation of what I will perhaps incorrectly term "strangeness." Here, however, he ceases to condemn. Throughout the film, it is clear that he recognizes that these rural midwestern folk are definitely not like the rest of us (I strongly suspect that when the President says "My fellow Americans" he's NOT referring to these people). All the more reason to give them their due, he seems to say. Though we continually congratulate ourselves for having what they lack (tastes, informed opinions, sophistication, good jobs, etc.) perhaps they have something that we lack. Civility, for one. Perserverence for another. Acceptence of others dispite often terrible circumstance (mental retardation and speech impediment, for one). Hope. And wonder. In this film, we can see through the eyes of both the very old and the very young (to whit, the passing of a group of bicyclists, which we ordinarily would think banal, and the crossing of the Mighty Missisippi in all its glory, something that in our rapid transit minds would quite expectedly dismiss). A few scenes of seemingly enforced quirkiness seemed a mistake, but no matter. This is excellent writing, photography, scoring, direction, and especially acting.
I can think of no other film, with the possible exception of what must now be considered Lynch's second-best film, "The Elephant Man," that has such unexpected generosity to its characters (or in the former case's, character) despite the fact that such a character might normally be considered the subject of mere pity at best, scorn and ridicule at worst. What clearly made this the superior film, in my view, is that here he generously portrays a man clearly not himself. There is no question that his generosity cannot be out of self-pity, a feeling I did walk away from "Elephant Man" with. Also, there is no real antagonist, excepting, perhaps, time and mortality, a wise move as there is no one to hate, no one to reduce to simply a life obstacle and an instrument of torture to our protagonist's already painful existence.
Not since childhood had a film made me cry. But at the very end of the film, when the titles "This film is dedicated to Alvin Straight, 1920[something]-1996" I actually shedded tears. The film was a biopic! What an unlikely and yet deserving subject! How wonderfully ironic!Was this review helpful? Yes - NoGood but not great Lynch
This is a hard film to review. It's very slow paced w/ many quick moments that will give you a slight chuckle. Alvin's character is played masterfully; the others are quirky and funny. The movie revolves around themes of both death & life (reflecting on the inevitable and the past.)
As a Lynch movie, it's not up to par. Yes, it's a straightforward movie and Lynch is able to potray emotions/feelings 95% other directors can't. While good, this movie doesn't pack the punch of, say, Elephant Man.
For me, the movie didn't live up to its potential; but I seem to be in the minority here.Was this review helpful? Yes - NoStraight (but slow) Story
A very nice movie from Lynch and Farnsworth. Well worth checking out, but it may be a bit slow for some. You've gotta be patient with this one, but it's worth the trip. Recommended.
Was this review helpful? Yes - NoThe Straight Story
Took this one home to watch on a whime and was delightfully surprised and moved to tears. I knew it took place around where I was born, but had no idea they actually filmed in the area, that was an added bonus because of the beauty of that area of the contry that most people don't know about. I loved the stretch that Sissy Spacek's roll took her to, she did it beautifully. Richard Farnsworth's roll was personally moving and his acting was fabulous. This film depicted the people of the area in the most positive light and that was refreshing in this day and age.
Was this review helpful? Yes - NoRichard Farnsworth and this movie
the best movie that I have seen in years, and the best actor/gentleman I have seen on the screen. I am very sad about his death this last week.
Everything about this movie is beautiful
actors, countryside, score and story line.
I will buy it when it's available - a masterpiece!Was this review helpful? Yes - Nostraight story
A new American Classic- a true accomplishment for David Lynch. Richard Farnsworth demonstrates what acting REALLY should be. A beautiful story with a resonance that you'll feel long after the film is finished. Fabulous scenery- reflective, thought provoking, heart felt movie. Not to be missed- a unique cinematic experience.
Was this review helpful? Yes - No
Compare Prices: The Straight Story (1999)
| Store | Store Rating | Price | Notes/Coupons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12.99Total Price N/A | New Item free us shipping for items over $25!!! | Go to Store | ||
| $19.99Total Price N/A | New Item everyday low prices | Go to Store | ||
| $11.97Total Price N/A | New Item sale 40% off dvds & blu-ray, free shipping | Go to Store |
Rate & Write a Review: The Straight Story (1999)
Rate & Write a Review: The Straight Story (1999)
Please send us your feedback on our site. • Find, Compare, Read Reviews & Buy The Straight Story (1999) Reviews - Online @ Yahoo! Shopping • Want to see your products in Yahoo! Shopping? Build your own online store or Advertise with us. Current Advertisers Sign in • Make money with Yahoo! Shopping APIs, now powering Yahoo! Tech. • Learn more about our paid syndication program. • Sitemap • Top Searches • All Brands
Information about prices, products, services and merchants is provided by third parties and is for informational purposes only. Yahoo! does not represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.