Get Low

Over the weekend we went to see Get Low, starring Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, and Bill Murray with a fine supporting cast.  Duvall will get the Oscar for acting, Murray has a shot for Supporting Actor (He will surprise you) and the writing award should go to this, too.  The story is about a hermit who after a literal 40 years in the wilderness decides to have his funeral before he dies, ostensibly to hear what people have to say about him.  He is, in South of Depression America, a figure of myth and suspicion.  What the “funeral” turns out to be is quite different, a tour de force, catharsis in its truest form.

Duvall as he ages, acts like an old man.  I don’t mean this to be glib.  His acting is so literally that of a very old, tired and sick old man it’s heart rending.  His story, when told, is amazing, and the movie will leave you a bit stunned at the artistry, performances, and the story itself.  I thought The Apostle or possibly Assassination Tango were his best work, but they don’t even get close.  See this in the theater if you can, just for the richness of the images and the picture of the lives of our parents and grandparents.  It is quite wonderful and the ending is beautiful.  A bit of cussin’, a little drinkin’, one smart ass gets his ass whupped, otherwise safe for all.

Spanky, Movie Dude