film
'A gentle poetry in the everyday': why The Straight Story is my feelgood movie
The latest in our ongoing series of writers picking their most beloved comfort films is a tribute to David Lynch’s gentlest movie
TL;DR
- The Straight Story, directed by David Lynch, is based on the true story of Alvin Straight's 300-mile journey on a lawnmower to reconcile with his brother.
- Richard Farnsworth stars as Alvin Straight, delivering a performance noted for its stoic defiance, stubbornness, and tenderness.
- The film is praised for its gentle poetry, sparse storytelling, and finding beauty in everyday life, contrasting with Lynch's other works.
- Mary Sweeney discovered the story, wrote the screenplay with John Roach, and brought it to Lynch.
- The cinematography by Freddie Francis and the score by Angelo Badalamenti are also highlighted as contributing to the film's profound atmosphere.
- The film, despite critical acclaim, was a box office disappointment and remains a relatively unknown gem.
- The article notes the added pathos of watching the film following David Lynch's death and Alvin Straight's similar physical struggles in his later years.
- The ending with Harry Dean Stanton is described as flawless and deeply moving.