The Straight Story (1999)

After his brother (Harry Dean Stanton) has a stroke, his elderly estranged brother (Richard Farnsworth) makes up his mind to visit him and make their peace. But his brother lives in Wisconsin and he lives in Iowa and he can't drive a car because of his fading eyesight and weak legs. So he decides to drive his lawn mower from Iowa to Wisconsin. Directed by David Lynch (BLUE VELVET), this is inspired by the true story of Alvin Straight. The unlikely pairing of Lynch and Walt Disney brings us this lovely episodic piece of of cinematic Americana. The film isn't so much about the destination as his journey. Lynch doesn't condescend to the film's rural characters, they aren't stereotypes to be laughed at (well, maybe the twin brothers), Lynch is respectful and admiring. Perhaps too respectful. Everyone's so nice, surely there was one jerk Straight met on his journey. Farnsworth (who was already dying of cancer while making the movie) gives a wonderful performance in his final film role. As his mentally challenged daughter with a heartbreaking backstory, Sissy Spacek brings a great deal of pathos to her character. The expert cinematography is by the great Freddie Francis and the gentle score is by Angelo Badalamenti. With Everett McGill and Anastasia Webb.