Directed by Aaron Schneider. (3/5).
I would have to describe this film as a pleasurable stroll in the woods; uneventful, but you’re glad you went along anyway. The performances are honest and calmly understated and while the script and story could use some work, the cinematography and acting are good enough to carry this one across the finish line.
Get Low (a title which would be more at home if appended to ‘Step Up 3’, or possibly 4?) is the story of lonely hermit Felix Bush (Robert Duvall), who decides to plan and attend his own funeral whilst still alive. To accomplish this bizarre feat he enlists the help of local funeral director Frank Quinn (Bill Murray) and his fresh faced (and aptly named) assistant Buddy Robinson (Lucas Black). Throughout the course of the funeral planning we slowly learn more about Felix’s character and mysterious past, as he comes into contact with an old flame (Sissy Spacek) and ageing friend and Reverend (Gerald McRaney). The story reluctantly tapers away from its original premise, and turns itself into an old man’s wish to unload the burdens of a troubled but largely uneventful life. Don’t go in holding your breath for a dramatic finish because you might not make it out alive.
For a first time director it is an admirable accomplishment, but a particularly meandering story line is what will no doubt take this film to the edges of obscurity. Rescued from the brink by a genuinely heartfelt performance by Duvall, it’s really hard to say either bad or good things about this largely forgettable tale. It is easy to appreciate the intimate camera shots, but equally easy to be disappointed by the soft ending.
You will leave the cinema about the same as you went in, mildly interested and feeling quite happy you got out of the house and went to the movies, but it could be the nostalgic experience of ‘going to the pictures’, rather than the film itself that’s to blame. Try watching this just to pass judgement on it, it’s harder than you’d expect. Summed up in one word: pleasant.
Get Low
