Cast
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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
Crew
Director
- David Lynch
Writer
- John Roach
- Mary Sweeney
Producer
- Neal Edelstein
- Mary Sweeney
- Alain Sarde
Reviews
John Chard
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
Feb 21, 2016
r96sk
Beautifully made film.
It's a difficult one to describe. <em>'The Straight Story'</em> 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.
Oct 11, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Straight Story examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director David Lynch brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Straight Story took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Straight Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Billion Dollar Spy, which focuses more on action than character development, The Straight Story subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Prayers for Bobby and The Damned United explore similar territory, The Straight Story stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 15, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $6,418,028
Where to Watch
