Period pieces are pretty much the kiss of death for mainstream moviegoers. Fortunately, my readers are anything but mainstream, so you are going to love Get Low. This is a movie set in 1930’s Tennessee. It’s a true tall tale based loosely on a bit of old American folklore. Get Low immediately hits you with dramatic images of a burning building, a man seeming to flee from the heart of the scene. It pulls you in.
Get Low is the story of Felix Bush, played by Robert Duvall. Felix has been a hermit for forty years. Stories abound about the man who strikes terror in the hearts of anyone, child or man, who dares set foot on his property. One day Felix shows up in town to ask Reverend Gus Horton (Gerald Raney) to give him a funeral, not just any funeral but a party for everyone who has a story to tell about him while he is alive to hear. Thinking this request is just too strange, Reverend Horton turns him down and Felix goes back to his isolation. Young Buddy Robinson (Lucas Black), the assistant funeral home director overhears Felix’ request. Buddy works for Frank Quinn, brilliantly played by Bill Murray, who owns Quinn’s Funeral Home. Frank and Buddy pile into the Funeral Coach and head out to see Felix. Upon arrival Frank sends a very nervous Buddy up to the front door. The next day Felix shows up at the Funeral Home asking for them to arrange the Party. This is just one of the places cheeky Murray shines, a dramatic role with incredibly funny dialogue.
The plans continue with an image clean up for Felix and a twist when he declares that his virgin timber property is worth a fortune and he wants to raffle it off at the funeral. They go on the radio asking everyone to send $5 to Quinn’s Funeral Home for a chance to win. The money comes rolling in and they hide it in the casket.
Get Low has an intriguing plot that is well executed by every member of the cast. The cinematography is beautiful and the directing is masterful, but then again newbie Director/Editor Aaron Schneider did win an Academy Award for a short film. Dean Zanuck, the producer whose family used to “own” Hollywood, took eight years bringing this art movie to the big screen and it is worth the wait.
Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek touches the ambiance of Get Low with her caring femininity and boisterous confrontations, refreshing us with a glistening performance. Bill Cobb adds much to the offbeat humor and Felix’s Mule, Gracie almost steals the show. Even newcomer, Lucas Black stands out by stepping back. I truly haven’t said enough about Robert Duvall. Felix Bush is an extremely complex character and Duvall absolutely nails it.
The very nature of the art film is a little slower but Get Low is paced just right. It keeps your interest with the plot and blossoms like a delicate flower with the performances. Let me know what you think! As always you can email me at chastings@rockcliff.com.
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