The Straight Story

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The Straight Story ★★★ ½ 1999 (G)

Surprisingly sweet true story from the generally eccentric Lynch. Septugenarian Alvin Straight (Farnsworth), who lives in Iowa, is determined to visit his ailing, estranged brother Lyle (Stanton) even though he can no longer drive a car. So, he hitches a small trailer to his riding mower and heads off at a stately 6 miles per hour—to Wisconsin (a 300 mile trip). Alvin realizes this is his last chance at both freedom and family and he's determined to make the most of it. Farnsworth plays Straight as a gruff, straight-talking old geezer and there's little or no sentimentality involved. 111m/C VHS, DVD . Richard Farnsworth, Harry Dean Stanton, Sissy Spacek; D: David Lynch; W: John Roach; C: Freddie Francis; M: Angelo Badalamenti. Ind. Spirit '00: Actor (Farnsworth); N.Y. Film Critics '99: Actor (Farnsworth), Cinematog.

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