The Straight Story: Rural Integrity
The "Straight Story" is the first rural road film we have watched in this course. Comparing the rural environment with the urban environments in the other road films, we can feel a greater sense of compassion for the main character Alvin Straight with the basic and wholesome rural surroundings that we do not have for other main characters in urban settings such as Olive Hoover. The rural environment naturally comes across as being a less socially-demoralized environment than the urban environment. People in rural environments are not believed to consort with the sort of insalubrious activities common to the urban environment such as dealing with alcohol and drugs or prostituting. Rather, people in rural environments are thought to be closer to the natural environment, having a healthier state of mind and cleaner image. Their activities are thought to be less motivated by socioeconomic forces such as working for mere money or social status. Rural residents work in rural environments because they enjoy the work and their environment, even though typically rural work makes less money than urban environments. As a result, the rural environment allows us to see Alvin Straight and the characters he interacts with in a genuine light and a manner focusing on human-interest without drama or cheap film embellishments.
Alvin Straight meets a pregnant young woman and talks to her about why she should return to her family road. Alvin had genuine concern and care for her. When his lawn mower breaks down, a friendly couple allows him to camp in their yard, showing us the trueness of rural kindness. It would be rather awkward if an urban family helped a stranger in the manner they did. Alvin Straight shares war stories with a fellow World War II veteran revealing what he did to another solider. The primitive nature of the rural environment somehow allows people to bond with one another more easily with fewer distractions. Alvin is able straighten a pair of arguing brothers. Alvin reminds them of the importance of family. Overall, the rural environment allows the viewer to see the characters in a sort of genuine and honest environment. The natural and wholesome nature of the rural environment can allow us to get to know the characters and understand them without the urban distractions that can keep us from focusing on the true character of the people.
張惠妹