So, I was going to see Eat Pray Love this past weekend, but I decided to see Get Low instead. I don’t know, I guess I was feeling I need some Robert Duvall in my life. I thoroughly enjoyed its folk-roots (it was slightly based on a “true” story/folk tale) and I felt that the folk style was portrayed very well on screen. There was suspense only in the hushed whispers of the people in town, telling stories about the old man. In fact, I was on edge to find out what kind of things Felix Bush did, rather than who is actually was. And really, does it matter what the truth is, if the entire town believes something else? This movie explores how folklore can make or break a person. And it makes you wonder the nature of other folk heroes (or villains).
I love Duvall. He was amazing in this film. Really, only he could portray the kind of multi-dimensional nature that a true hermit calls for. The other actors were great too, because you could see their character changes on screen as Felix comes into their lives. Bill Murray’s character, Frank Quinn, will do anything to keep his funeral business afloat, including giving a funeral to a living man. And I honestly thought that Buddy (Frank Quinn) was going to be someone against Felix. In fact, these two characters were more loyal, more compassionate, and more honest than all of Felix’s real friends.
Which brings me to my next point: the ending. Don’t worry, no spoilers here! But I thought it was interesting that Felix’s funeral was portrayed more like an execution, with Frank as one of the executioners and Buddy as a witness. I don’t want to say too much about it, but I felt there was something in the symbolism of friendship, execution, and the public. I guess you can decide if you watch the film.
All in all, this was a great film. It is, however, a little sad, though I would not consider it a tearjerker. I would recommend this film to anyone looking for something anti-blockbuster, and something meaningful.
No comments:
Post a Comment