This is an atypical David Lynch style work, and also an atypical road film. It is different from most road movies that take the perspective of young people and focus on chasing dreams, rebellion, and freedom. It is also different from most of David Lynch’s gorgeous, quirky and unique style movies. This time he uses a simple lens to show us The old man is straight once simple but also extraordinary remote. The movie title The Straight story is a pun, which not only shows that it is the story of the protagonist straight, but also reveals that there is no hindrance to the long-distance going forward courageously.
The protagonist of the film, Alvin, is in his early years and his physical functions continue to decline. His brother who has been in conflict with him for many years has suffered a stroke. He is going to drive the lawn mower to visit his brother hundreds of miles away. The old man in the town questioned, "I'm afraid you would knock someone over on the road." "He won't pass the stone cave". This is also the question of our audience. Can he reach it successfully? Indeed, Alvin has difficulty walking, diabetes, early emphysema, and circulatory problems. It seems that there are problems that everyone can't escape when they are old. But he is also stubborn and stubborn. He loves lightning and storms. Maybe he has a hot temper. After the first failure, he exploded the lawn mower with an angry shot.
He did not succumb to these obstacles. Maybe it was the last chance to see his brother, maybe it was the last journey of his life. In short, he decided to set off on his own. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the lawnmower was driving slowly on the empty and wild road, and Alvin smiled. We are like travelers, following Alvin's journey to see the people and scenery along the way, in the soothing and melodious country music, watching the sun rise and sunset after the storm, the rain passes and the sky clears.
Along the way, I met a young girl who was pregnant and ran away from home. Alvin told her about the family history. The shot of the sticks in a bundle flashed by. The girl returned to the family; the brother who repaired the lawn mower had friction and Alvin also used himself. Experience tells them that they should forgive each other; the confession of the old people who couldn't come out of the shadow of World War II has gone to the ages of ancient times and should be let go.
It seemed that Alvin and his brother who had been separated for many years finally met and called his name. Although they had not seen him, they still recognized his voice. Thousands of emotions rushed into my heart for an instant, but a thousand words melted in the silence of this staring at each other. The end is still the beginning of the night with stars, life is impermanent, only the starry sky remains unchanged.
Why do we like such a simple story, because it is full of real emotion and power. It is like a landscape film with stories and human feelings, vast wheat fields, intercontinental highways extending to the horizon seemingly endless, and deep starry sky. Compared with nature, we are so small and short-lived. All the emotions of regret, remorse, and irritability are not mentioned in comparison with nature and time. We can draw a kind of calm power from it, briefly withdraw from the busy life, and calmly follow this slow hypnotic rhythm to experience this strange kindness and vast scenery.
Off-topic: This is a road movie adapted from real people. The real Alvin Stritt survived three years after his trip. Richard, who starred in the protagonist of this movie, committed himself to death in 2000 due to a long illness and life sickness. This film has also become his farewell posthumous work in the film industry. Inside and outside the play, it is embarrassing.
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