The Straight Story

The Straight Story is directed by David Lynch, frequently known for much more bizarre movies. Richard Farnsworth stars in this film which earned him his second Oscar nomination. Oscar winner Sissy Spacek is also on board to play Farnsworth's daughter. Farnsworth plays Alvin Straight, a stubborn, old coot who decides to take a journey from Iowa to Wisconsin so he can fix his relationship with his estranged older brother, Lyle, who has just had a violent stroke. The seemingly normal trip takes a turn for the bizarre when Alvin decides he will take the trip using his lawnmower. His family does everything they can to talk him out of it but Alvin is determined to go. He packs up and takes his dog, Max the Wonder Dog, with him. At the heart of the story is a man who is doing his best to fix his wrongs in life before it is too late. His daughter Rose, played by Spacek, has her children taken away due to neglect. The reality is that Alvin was watching the children when he was drunk and a fire started. Alvin's journey to see his brother after ten years of not speaking, is a road to redemption made more poignant by the lessons he teaches others on the road, by finally admitting to his own mistakes.