The Straight Story [DVD]

Absolutely loved this film, it nearly broke me emotionally but in such an uplifting manner! I hadn’t heard of it before but always enjoyed David Lynch films so decided to investigate & so glad i did

I had to replace the CD due to damaged slip case. However the replacement was quick and DVD and slice arrived in mint condition. Very pleased with what is one of my top 10 movies and great to have it on Blu-ray DVD.

An old man learns his estranged brother is ill, not having spoken to each other, he decides to visit him probably for the last time. There is only one problem, he doesn't have any transport except for his John Deere lawn tractor. So he loads up his trailer, hitches it up to the tractor and sets off on his epic journey to see hi brother. The film follows the journey, complete with all the events that occur on the way. The amusing moments and the heart rending problems that blight his way and how he has to overcome the road. Watch it if you can, to begin with you wonder what could happen to make it worth watching, but it doesn't take long before you are rooting for him to get there. Worth every penny.

What a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours! I found this film interesting and engaging; entertaining and amusing. David Lynch’s films are usually a little odd but he stays very much on the straight and narrow here. This offering won’t blow you away but it will leave you with a feeling of satisfaction at the close. There are some great little cameos tucked away in here, non-more so than when Alvin is negotiating his repair bills or divulging his awful secret from WW11. His charm is that he is very street wise, candid in his convictions, but also willing to give the folks he meets the benefit of his experience - the young female hitch hiker for instance? Oh yes, he also likes hot dogs! However, just because age is on his side, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he gets it all right? This journey is made as a realization that certain things have to be put right – before it’s too late! Sadly, as previously mentioned in other reviews, Richard Farnsworth had cancer whilst making this film. A year later its diagnosis was terminal; Richard shot himself at his 60 acre ranch in New Mexico. He was nominated for several major ‘best actor’ awards for this role - it’s a pity they escaped him. Nonetheless, he still had a very satisfactory career in film and television.

I have just finished watching The Straight Story finally after trying to catch it for some months. There are only a few movies that touch something deep inside, a raw emotion that changes the way you think about all that is dear to you. Forgiveness, redemption, compassion, the simple things in life such as family and friends, the place where you grew up, a clear night sky. But the Straight Story is so much more. It is a simple tale of a man who, in his own words "has seen just about all there is to see" and yet realises that before he dies, he has one wrong left to undo. So Alvin Straight drives his lawnmower 300 miles to see a brother that he hasn't spoken to in over ten years. He refuses help along the way, telling those on the road that he has to do this in his own way; this is his rite of passage. Amends perhaps for estranging his own brother... Along the way, he meets many people and he tells them a little of his story which helps to show us a little more of Alvin's motives. One of the most poignant is his conversation with a fellow old timer about their deeds during the War. Another favourite scene is when he's talking to a runaway about the strength to be found in family. Visually, I have always liked David Lynch's work and the Straight Story, despite being a massive departure from his usual surrealist approach is trademark Lynch. The cinematography is simply stunning. The wide camera angles and slow movement conveys and enhances the American midwest and seems to compliment somehow the peaceful yet dilligent frame of mind of the central character. Richard Farnsworth is brilliant as Alvin Straight. Deep rheumy eyes and a heavily wrinkled face show a man who has lived and yet burdened with with his own regrets. The supporting characters that Alvin meets along the way are good and honest people. Such a nice change from all the badness in the world. And his final meeting with Lyle, his brother, is pure magic. Hats off to Harry Dean Stanton who, when he asks Alvin if he drove all the way on a lawnmower just to see him and Alvin says yes, the look in his eyes he gives back closes the film beautifully. Put simply, The Straight Story is an honest and gentle tale of human goodness and only those without a soul could find this film less than enjoyable. Definitely one for the DVD collection and a movie that deserves to become a classic. Highly recommended.

Great film, good quality transfer.

Excellent transfer, definitely worth both for and none Lynch fans.

This is a fine movie. Talk about being overwhelmed with nostalgia. Ultimate 90’s throw back film

Excellent movie, take out from library; I he one we ordered from Amazon was damaged by Puralator in shipping; never received!

Acquistato per averlo nella videoteca, anche se visto e rivisto alla tv, lo trovo molto bello in quanto racconta il riavvicinamento di due fratelli ormai anziani, che nel momento della malattia mettono da parte tutti i vecchi problemi, consigliato agli amanti del genere, il film è tratto da una storia vera.

It is the silences opened up that define this film. Spaces for reflection and contemplation. A rare treat.

Film vu sur arte et aussitôt commander en dvd sur Amazon. Histoire, acteurs tout est génial dans ce film on suis avec plaisir le voyage de cette homme qui part voir son frère victime d’une attaque,en tondeuse à gazon a l’autre bout du pays. C'est simple,c'est bon, pas de violence à outrance,de coup de feux toute les deux minutes,d’effets spéciaux qui donnent le tourni,une belle histoire toute simple vraiment agréable à regarder, top👍

Zusammen mit The Elephant Man der emotionalste Film des Meisters. Die Geschichte von Alvin Straight ist rührend erzählt und exquisit gefilmt. Ab und zu blitzen sogar lyncheske Momente auf (der Autounfall mit dem Hirsch), die uns daran erinnern, wessen Werk dieser Filmklassiker ist. Ein Film, den man definitiv einmal im Jahr wiedersehen sollte.