A Straight, Slowed-Down Story
A Straight Story presented us with a very different road narrative than most of our class's past films. For the first time, we see a single person setting out on a trip with a specific destination and purpose in which he successfully accomplishes. He also faces little danger (aside from some lawnmower problems) and does not engage in anything violent or criminal, except maybe trespassing on private property. Alvin is not leaving his life behind at all, if anything, he appreciates his simple life with Rose more once he begins to travel.
Alvin's road is slow and long which is something we haven't seen in past films. Speed, in the other movies, is so important to the forward motion of the plot. This movie, on the other hand, uses the slow transport to emphasize the time Alvin spends reflecting on his present journey and his overall life journey. It also reflects the patience and the challenges of his trip and, at the same time parallels the difficulties faced by the aging process. He is forced to drive the lawnmower due to his failing eyesight and joint dysfunction, while his stubbornness keeps him persevering no matter the inconvenience of his approach. Also, as some pointed out, the rural setting may be the cause of the slow paced action within this film.
With few words, Alvin is able to reach the people he meets along the way. They are moved by his journey and his ability to empathize with those he encounters. He creates a mood of pensiveness, appreciation and understanding. Although there is not a lot of racial diversity in the film, Alvin does cross age and class barriers it seems as he travels from one rural city to another. Alvin's road is a place for transformation and self-reflection which did not need to be accomplished by engaging in criminal behavior, discrimination or general defiance. Through dialogue and thoughtfulness, the road can be a place for contemplation and positive transformation.