The Straight Story (1999)
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An elderly man travels across the Midwest on a lawn mower to reconcile with his estranged brother.
The story
After a fall in his home in Iowa, elderly World War II veteran Alvin Straight is urged by his daughter to improve his health. When he learns his estranged brother, Lyle, has suffered a stroke in Wisconsin, Alvin decides to travel the 240 miles to visit him. Because his physical impairments prevent him from driving a car, he hitches a trailer to a lawn tractor to begin the journey. His unconventional method of travel surprises his community, but he remains determined to reach his brother and make amends before it is too late.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Alvin Straight, an elderly veteran living in Iowa, embarks on a 240-mile journey to Wisconsin to visit his estranged brother, Lyle, who has suffered a stroke. Due to physical limitations, Alvin travels on a lawn tractor. Along the way, he encounters various people, including a young runaway, a group of cyclists, and a woman who hit a deer. He faces mechanical failures and must bargain with mechanics to keep his tractor running. He also shares stories of his time in World War II with a fellow veteran. Upon reaching Mount Zion, Alvin finds Lyle. The two brothers sit together on a porch, finally reconciled, and watch the stars together.
- First release year
- 1999
- Runtime (minutes)
- 112
- Production countries
- United States; United Kingdom
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- David Lynch
- Writers
- John Roach · writer; Mary Sweeney · writer
- Cast and characters
- Richard Farnsworth · Alvin; Sissy Spacek · Rose; Harry Dean Stanton · Lyle
- Genres
- biographical; road drama
- Themes
- reconciliation; family; aging; war trauma
- Tone and mood
- somber; sincere; unsentimental
- Premise and plot tags
- road movie; based on true story; father-son relationship; veteran
- Source material / true-story basis
- The true story of Alvin Straight's 1994 journey.
- Content notes
- family-friendly
- Reception
- The film was a critical success, praised for its performances and realistic dialogue, and was noted for its unique portrayal of the Midwestern landscape.
- Awards and nominations
- Palme d'Or · Cannes Film Festival · 1999 · nomination; Academy Award · Best Actor · 1999 · nomination; New York Film Critics Circle Award · Best Actor · 1999 · win
- Production trivia
- The film was the only Lynch film to receive a G rating.; The film was shot on the actual route taken by Alvin Straight.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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