GET LOW

GET LOW

This wondrous, magical platinum finished film, with its ingenuity, elegant simplicity, creatively crafted cinematography, but primarily the wisdom and purity of its message,
spoke volumes in a whisper.

Loosely based upon a rough, tough, recluse with a linen-lined face and a laser sharp tongue, just barely existing in 1938; Felix “Bush” Breazeale residing with his constant companion, a beloved mule in rural Tennessee decides to be present at his own funeral gala; his curiosity lusting for the sermon his preacher will deliver over his decaying corpse! The idea is titillating and hilarious; everyone at times wants to know how they are spoken of when not present. Over twelve thousand showed up, greedily hoping to win the lottery; ultimately inheriting Bush’s property upon his actual death.

Aaron Schneider (2004, Academy Award for his short film “Two Soldiers”) at 40, has given birth to a masterpiece, five years in the gestation process, worth every minute of massive effort. This film does not have a false second, a moment of artifice; its’ intricately woven plot addresses the deepest, darkest, finest emotions a person can have; there is a well of passion, pain, purgatory and finally a redemption; the championing of a soul in the final round of life. Seared into memory is a man called Felix.

Felix, hypnotically played by Robert Duvall (at this point my choice for the Best Actor Award) is tortured to the point of oblivion; his pristine but sacred prison is a monument to his beloved secret; testimony to the brilliance of his performance, we do not pity his situation but have indomitable respect for his decision. Robert Duvall, with a lifetime of iconic roles has achieved a depth of such magnitude in this film, that it will be years before another “Felix” can test his or anyone else’s dramatic proficiencies.

Bill Murray, as the undertaker Frank Quinn, sinks his creative teeth into this unconventional, slyly alcoholic, wise but disillusioned man and imbues him with insurmountable dignity. Gone is the slap stick humor Mr. Murray is known for, replaced with an intellect and a quarry of knowledge that obviously years of desire and drilling went into its formation. An award winning display of his multitudinous talents.

Sissy Spacek as Maddie Darrow, is beautiful, insightful, kind and seasoned; she softens the harshness of the males, but her story is the cement that binds and holds the truth of Felix’s enforced confinement. Ms. Spacek is gifted and has always shown great discretion and astuteness in her role selections.

Lucas Black, as Buddy Robinson, Frank Quinn’s assistant is wonderful. He the perfect foil, conscience to Quinn’s acerbity and harsh realism; his youth, freshness, naivety and eventual growth added a touch of warmth, joy and humor to the evolving story.

This quiet, potent and vibrantly alive film left the audience knowing the truth and validity of the words, ‘you can’t help who you love”.

I could not help but love this film.


FOUR & 1/2 STARS!!!!


For Now…………Peneflix