Straight Story
Straight Story

Straight Story

2006Movie88 minGreek

This film is about an upside down world, where being homosexual is considered "normal" and heterosexual is considered "not normal".

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Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic86
Google Users89%
Director: David LynchGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A heartwarming and poignant true story, 'The Straight Story' follows Alvin Straight, an elderly man determined to reach his ailing brother Lyle, who lives a great distance away. With his physical condition preventing him from driving a car, Alvin embarks on an epic journey across Wisconsin and Iowa on his meticulously maintained riding lawnmower. Along the way, he encounters various people, sharing stories and forging unexpected connections, all while dealing with the challenges of his unusual mode of transport and his own mortality.

Critical Reception

Praised as a departure from Lynch's typically surreal work, 'The Straight Story' was overwhelmingly lauded by critics for its gentle, humanist tone, Richard Farnsworth's touching performance, and its ultimately uplifting message. Audiences were also deeply moved by the film's sincerity and its understated portrayal of perseverance and familial love. It stands as a uniquely simple and profoundly affecting entry in David Lynch's filmography.

What Reviewers Say

  • A surprisingly tender and deeply human film from David Lynch.
  • Richard Farnsworth delivers a masterful and poignant performance.
  • A slow-paced but rewarding journey about family, connection, and the human spirit.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's emotional impact, with many appreciating its simple yet profound storytelling and the heartwarming journey of its protagonist. Viewers found the movie to be a moving and memorable experience, often citing its sincerity and the genuine connections formed along the way as major strengths.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival; Richard Farnsworth received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama.

Fun Fact

The entire story is based on a real-life journey undertaken by Alvin Straight in 1994, who traveled 240 miles on his John Deere lawn tractor to visit his ailing brother.

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