Straight Story
Alvin Straight's journey is much unlike any we've seen thus far in other films. Much of this is part of his "becoming", which differs from the "leaving behind" feel that other movies have showcased. In other films we have viewed, they are entirely showcased in an urban environment (Set It Off), coming from or going to an urban environment (Easy Rider), or experience an urban feel in one way or another. Alvin does not have this setting - he begins in a rural area, journeys through a rural area, and ends in a rural area. He never leaves behind said environment, it is part of his "becoming." It's part of what he grows into.
The rural road in Straight Story offers something that other films haven't had the opportunity to showcase. This road is exemplified by its serenity. There is a certain calmness that accompanies Alvin Straight on his path. There is more open space, there is less noise, and less traffic - whether vehicular or otherwise. Straight maneuvers with his tractor - something that forces him to take things slow and be alone with his thoughts for plenty of time. This all encourages and helps cultivate personal reflection that Straight required for his development. If it were through a city, Straight would have been constrained physically and probably mentally by a crowded city. We see the an urban contrast when semi trucks cruise past Straight's tractor, blowing by him and threatening his path.
The rural road offers more than just a physical environment to promote a certain serenity. The rural community contributes toward Straight's "becoming." He is able to express himself to others and be very open, and the strangers he encounters are very compassionate and caring, something that is not so prominent in urban environments from previous films. Through this interaction with characters who do a wonderful job representing the rural path, Straight furthers his development coming to important realizations about family, love and caring.
Both the physical environment and the community in the rural environment make large contributions to Straight's "becoming," and they give Straight the essentials he needs that an urban community entirely lacks.