The Rural Road
From the initial sequence, Straight Story makes it clear that the film will focus on the “small” or rural by moving from a shot of the cosmic sky that slowly transfers to Straight’s home through a series of images. As Straight takes the road, some shots reminiscent of Easy Rider emerge, yet we are quickly aware that we are viewing a very different landscape and journey. The pace is slow and the music is the film’s country violin theme, giving the scene a simplistic, introspective nature. The fact that it is harvest time in Iowa is representative of Straight’s “new beginning” with his brother and the dying out of the old relationship. When Straight encounters the pregnant teen at his campsite, his Midwestern values and past mistakes become evident, as they are both reminded of the importance of family through Straight’s stories and the necessity for his journey. He is on his way to see his ill brother and fix a mistake of youth, something that resonates with the teen. It is in situations like these, when Straight stops, that we are made aware of the self-reflection that seems to be taking place during the lengthy driving sequences. The slow pace of the entire film allows for a more reflective feel then if the film was set in a place such as Los Angeles, like Set It Off. Instead of “gaining energy” from the places he visits, like Philbert in Powwow Highway, it seems Straight is purging himself of guilt while reflecting on his life. Through interactions with others and sharing his own experiences, Straight is able to accept who he is and the mistakes he has made (mainly the fight with his brother and the killing in WWII). By admitting these flaws and mistakes and moving forward on his on his journey, one can assume Straight’s death after achieving his goal, judging by the final shot of the night sky. The ability to campout and the means of travel – a lawn mower could seemingly only happen in a rural setting.