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Review

It begins with a marriage of words you'd never thought you'd live to see: Walt Disney presents a David Lynch film. By the end, The Straight Story has taken the viewer on an unexpectedly moving and quite satisfying journey as to bring a feeling of near elation. In a quiet, strong, commanding portrayal, Farnsworth gives a career performance as Alvin Straight, an Iowa widower who lives with his speech-impaired daughter (Spacek). Having suffered a stroke which now requires him to walk with two canes, Alvin sets out on an impossible trek when he learns that his estranged brother is gravely ill: journey 250 miles to Wisconsin to see him -- traveling on a lawnmower. Lynch embraces the American Heartland without his signature cinematic touches (though the film's beginning is reminiscent of Blue Velvet). Having pushed the envelope with his previous films, Lynch retreats in the opposite direction and finds artistry in the traditional. He tells this simple, affecting true story with precision and exquisite grace. Thankfully, no one's in a hurry, and the film's deliberate pacing befits Alvin's slow, determined, fascinating trip. On his way, Alvin meets some interesting people, demonstrates his resolve, and finds meaning in ordinary endeavors. And we're all the richer for it.