The Straight Story
The Straight Story is a film that portrays the road in a drastically different light than we have thus encountered throughout this course. Unlike the other road films, Alvin takes his journey on a lawn mower. In many ways, this mode of transportation is not unlike Alvin himself; slow, aged, and in need of repair (like at the beginning of the movie when we find that Alvin needs hip surgery/the lawnmower needs new belts). His first attempt at mobilization is trumped when the mower breaks down, he his then fixed with a newer (but still old) John Deere. This new lawn mower brings Alvin into the world of cornfields, rain storms and eventually leads him to self actualization and acceptance for past transgressions. Analogous to his form of walking, the mower moves at snails speed. This pace allows Alvin time to reflect and soak in the country splendor. This is most evident in the many camping scenes throughout the film, especially when he meets the young hitchhiker. He explains the importance of family, reflects on his own life, and spreads the message of forgiveness (which is ultimately the main objective of his six week hiatus). Alvin encounters many different characters on the road, each functioning in a different way. Upon blowing out his breaks, Alvin's mobility is temporarily put on hold. When offered a ride the rest of the way Alvin refuses, as he wants to finish the rest of the trip 'his way'. After explaining the importance of brotherhood to the Olson twins, Alvin's mission takes on a new sense of urgency: he must makes amends before it's too late. The film ends with Alvin and his brother sitting on a porch and a shot of tears in Alvin's eyes, juxtaposed against the mower. Thus acting as an anthromorphism of Alvin, the mower transcends its actual function, and becomes an agent to forgiveness. In a world where family is taken for granted, the mower literally sets its own pace, allowing Alvin to realize what had been missing from his life. Rather than 'leaving behind' , Alvin is engulfed by the country, ultimately becoming a more complete version of himself.