Get Low

The new Robert Duvall movie Get Low is one of the finest movies I've seen in a long time. It is about a man named Felix Bush (Duvall) who wants to plan his funeral but wants to be there for it. So, with the help of the local funeral director and his apprentice, Felix has a "funeral party" and invites anyone with a story about him to the party to tell it. There is just one tiny catch-the stories that the townspeople have are not exactly, well, flattering. Felix lives alone way out in the woods and is the subject of much gossip. When he ventures in to town to talk to someone about his funeral, he is met with stares and whispers. Felix has a past and everyone in the town has their own idea as to exactly what he did, where he'd been, etc.

This movie reminds me why I love acting so much. The cast is stellar. I know for a fact that Robert Duvall is a great actor. I've seen him in tons of things. It isn't a secret. However, watching him play Felix is a master lesson in subtlety. Felix is a deep character and could easily fall into the abyss of despair and be played as a stereotypical mean old man, but Duvall brings this subtle light to him. You don't know what has happened to him in his life and whether he was responsible or not, but you want to care about him. Duvall makes him serious, funny and touching all at the same time without losing Felix's edge. The supporting cast of Get Low makes Duvall's already fabulous performance shine that much more. When you are surrounded by good actors, you look even better and this is no exception. Sissy Spacek plays Mattie, a kind widow who has moved back home and knew Felix from back in the day. Bill Murray plays Frank Quinn, the funeral director/proprietor of the town funeral parlor. Lucas Black plays his apprentice. Gerald MacRainey plays the town pastor. Bill Cobbs (one of the best character actors ever) plays an old friend of Felix's. I honestly couldn't imagine anyone else playing these parts. They are all wonderful. Director Aaron Schneider allows his actors to take the time they need and manages to gather a series of moments that are quiet and reflective and genuine. You leave the movie absolutely satisfied. There is a perfect balance between comedy and drama that is completely natural and never feels forced nor does it feel like it is manipulating your emotions as the viewer. This movie is just a lovely piece of cinema that is real and true and genuine.