Get Low (Sony Pictures Classics)
Soars High
There are certain movies that are big because of their smallness, such a film is Get Low. This simple but affecting film is fascinating in its story but soars high with the acting involved. Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Bill Cobbs and Lucas Black give their best performances to date in this story of an old mans final wishes.
Duvall plays Felix Bush, a man who has been a virtual hermit for forty years. One day he ventures into town and tells the local pastor (Gerald McCraney) that he wants to have a funeral but he wants to attend it. Buddy (Black) who is the local morticians assistant overhears this conversation and brings the information back to his boss Frank Quinn (Murray). Knowing that Felix has money, Quinn jumps on the idea.
It finally comes down to Felix having Quinn and Buddy arrange a funeral party. Everyone is invited who has a story to tell about Felix. He also has a story that he wishes to be told from his perspective. He asks his old friend, Reverend Charlie Jackson (Cobbs), to tell this story.
While in town Felix runs into Mattie Darrow (Sissy Spacek). As Mattie explains it to a friend, she and Felix once had a thing. Now is the time for them to renew their friendship but an old secret from the past comes between them. This secret has haunted Felix for years and he is ready to get low and explain some things.
Duvall gets better with age. His performance as Felix is nuanced in every move and every action. He is the center of the plot and the character on whom all eyes are focused. The other lead character belongs to Murray. Duvalls Felix may be the dramatic center but Murrays Quinn is the heart and the comic relief. He is a man worn down by life who is always looking for one last chance for happiness.
Cobbs is powerful as Felix long ago friend who knows the most about the old man. Cobbs helps the audience see the different facets of Felix life. Lucas Black, who should win awards for his supporting performance in this film, is the glue that holds everything together. Watch Buddys reactions to all that is going on around him and you will see the intelligence of Blacks talent.
The weak link in the film is Spacek. Somehow she never captures the essence of Mattie. She is outside the circle of performances and never draws the audience to her. Spacek has an abundance of talent as she has proven in the past, but she and Mattie just never connect.
The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and mild violence.
Get Low is a quiet film, a touching one, and in some aspects a brilliant one. Every scene has a purpose and that is to tell the story fully. When the movie is over there is a completeness that is so necessary for greatness.
Search out Get Low and have a movie experience that is rare these days. You will be drawn into the story and thoroughly entertained.
I scored Get Low a high flying 8 out of 10.
