Straight Story
Unlike many of the other road films we've viewed in class, Straight Story's protaganist, Alvin, is not looking to escape from anything but rather the road acts as a way for him to find out more about himself. Alvin is different from most of the characters we've seen so far due to the fact that he is an elderly man who is quite content with most all aspects of his life. The only thing that seems to bother him is the fact that he hasn't spoken to his dying brother in 10 years.
As a poor-sighted elderly man, who wants to embark on his journey alone, Alvin turns to the one mode of transportation he is comfortable with: a driving lawn mower. On his 6 week long, 300some mile journey, Alvin encountered many people and situations that would've been completely passed by had the journey been taken in a car. On the country roads, Alvin is able take plenty of time to think about his life and his relationship with his brother. Time which he wouldn't have had if he had simply gotten a ride from someone or taken a bus.