Film: Get Low
Cast includes: Robert Duvall (Secondhand Lions), Sissy Spacek (In the Bedroom), Bill Murry (Lost in Translation), Lucas Black (Jarhead), Bill Cobbs (The Taking of Pelham One Two Three)
Director: Aaron Schneider (Two Soldiers)
Genre: Comedy/Drama/Mystery (2009)
In brief: At the beginning of the movie, we see a night scene of a house on fire, with one flaming figure escaping. It goes without saying that what happened that night will become part of the narrative of Get Low. Now it’s the late 1930s and we’re in east Tennessee. Felix Bush is a recluse and that’s just how he wants to live. The sign he’s posted saying, “No Damn Trespassing” doesn’t discourage enough people, however. When the local preacher comes out to tell Felix that Willy Stark has just passed and the funeral’s tomorrow, that gets Felix to thinking. When Felix shows up in town, it’s the first time most folks have seen him in 40 years. Felix goes to the church to talk to the preacher about planning a funeral… his own. “Have you made peace with God?” “I’ve paid,” is how Felix answers the preacher. The problem is that Felix isn’t dead, and death is not imminent… as far as Felix can tell. The preacher won’t do it, despite the large bundle of cash Felix holds out.
Buddy overhears the exchange and mentions it to his boss, Frank Quinn… owner of Quinn Funeral Home, which is dying… as a business… because folks aren’t dying. Hell, Frank’s not above doing a funeral for a live person! “Hermit money” is the best kind. The two of them… with “I’m Looking Over a Four-leaf Clover” playing on the sound track… drive out to Felix’s place. It’s not just a funeral Felix is after… it’s a funeral party, with a large turnout. Felix wants everyone with a story about him to come and tell it. It’s an odd request, but Frank’s not about to lose the business because it’s an odd request. And he’s not about to lose the business because of all the odd things that happen along the way.
Ultimately, the plot is heading for the revelation of what happened on that night when the house burned down. The revelation, as it turns out, is not nearly as satisfying as the journey the film takes to get there. Based on local legend of an actual person, Felix Breazeale, perhaps the filmmakers felt compelled to keep it real… sort of. There are a lot of colorful characters we meet along the way, enjoying all the quirky exchanges. Felix and Frank are the most interesting, with excellent performances by Robert and Bill. When Felix is interviewed on the radio, he’s introduced as a “bit of a local legend.” “What’s it like living as a recluse for 40 years?” the announcer asks. “The first 38 are the hardest,” is all Felix has to say. Those who want to know more will just have to come to the funeral party.
3 popped kernels
Excellent performances and well crafted script... the parts are more satisfying than the whole
Popcorn Profile
Primary Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream limited release
Mood: Neither upbeat nor somber
Tempo: Cruses comfortably
Visual Style: Nicely varnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: Artful
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
