The Straight Story

This week marks the beginning of my third year as the Courier film critic. The biggest joy I’ve had in seeing over 300 pictures is finding the one standout film to recommend for the person who makes a once a year trip to the local movie theater. In 1997, that film was Titanic. In 1998, it was Shakespeare in Love. My recommendation for the best film experience of 1999 is The Straight Story. There will not be a more poignant film to see this year.

The Straight Story is a true-life account of the exploits of 73 year-old Iowa farmer Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth). In 1994, Alvin traveled nearly 350 miles in six weeks from Laurens, Iowa, to see his stricken brother in Mount Zion, Wisconsin. Most remarkable about Alvin’s sojourn is his means of transportation: a 1966 John Deere riding lawnmower pulling a crudely crafted trailer.

Deliberately paced, the movie is a sentimental look at life in rural America as seen through Alvin’s misty blue eyes. Alvin meets some interesting people along the way, and the beauty of Northern Iowa is captured in some of the best cinematography since Terrence Malick’s Days of Heaven. The more we learn about Alvin, the more we end up rooting for the old codger to complete this incredible journey.

Many of you will recognize 79 year-old actor Richard Farnsworth from his role as the lawman in Misery. His magnificent performance in this film will surely earn him an Oscar nomination. There is also a touching performance by Sissy Spacek as Alvin’s mentally challenged daughter.

The movie was directed by David Lynch, the same guy who brought us TV’s "Twin Peaks." Rated G, this is one movie that family members can enjoy together. Since it contains no sex, violence, bad language or special effects, The Straight Story will probably make a fast exit for yet another dumb-dumb movie that comes along. Run out and see this American treasure before it gets away.