The Straight Story
Seen it?1999 | 112 min | Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (95% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences rate it highly (7.7 out of 10), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Into the Wild or Paris, Texas, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
Retired farmer and widower Alvin Straight learns one day that his estranged brother Lyle has suffered a severe stroke. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver's license. He then has the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 86 on Metacritic
- AudiencesStrong
7.7 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Independent Spirit Award: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Male Lead. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 2 Golden Globes and 1 Cannes award. Plus 7 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$6 million worldwide on a $10 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 355K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Into the Wild
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Paris, Texas Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed road-trip drama.
Nomadland Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed road-trip drama.
Dances with Wolves Friday Night FlickAnother drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
Train Dreams Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Cast & crew
Directed by David Lynch
- Richard FarnsworthAlvin
- Sissy SpacekRose
- Jane Galloway HeitzDorothy
- Joseph A. CarpenterBud
- Donald WiegertSig
- Tracey MaloneyNurse
- Dan FlanneryDoctor Gibbons
- Jennifer EdwardsBrenda
- Ed GrennanPete
- Jack WalshApple