Straight Story
Straight Story is a story about a simple, older man driven by the regrets of his past to move forth on the road, by himself, in order to reach his brother who has suffered a stroke. The film is unlike any of the films we have seen before because his character is very real and unlike Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, who encounters simple car trouble, it is Alvin who represents the rural American, even if on a lawn mower. Alvin’s journey across Iowa to Wisconsin symbolizes human stubbornness and the chance to correct his wrong realizing that life is too short. The rural road in Straight Story symbolizes the road as a means for Alvin to comfort the ghosts of his past in order to move forth in his life. Like many other films we have seen such as Searching for Angela Shelton, Alvin is affected by each individual he encounters on the road and his time spent with each also influences his own life. Similar to Angela, the individuals on the road strengthens Alvin. His life philosophy influences the lives of the individuals he meets. Such is the case with the pregnant teen that ran away from her family. Alvin does not pass judgment, but with his simple philosophy he is able to make a difference in someone else’s life. She leaves him the bundle of sticks, illustrating that family is the most important thing in life and nothing can break that bond. This film is unlike any of the other films we have viewed because it is the tale of true human struggle in its most real and raw form. Alvin, like so many individuals, bottles up many of the feelings and thoughts. His story is not dramatic, but real. Many films we have viewed we are able to discover what exactly it is the character is feeling and thinking. However, Alvin is more of a mystery and the viewer must read his thoughts similar to real life. He uses the road as a means for facing his past. With each stop he is able to reflect upon his past. After his lawn mower breaks down, Alvin reflects upon the war and unleashes some of the bottled feelings and stories of his past. He is able to lift that burden in order to move on through his journey to become a better individual. Alvin reflects true human struggles because the viewer is never able to find out exactly what set him and his brother apart similarly to life where time blurs reasons and logic. He becomes a better individual letting go of the weights that held him back until he finally reaches his brother.