Get Low

Robert Duvall can be unpredictable. Even though there is a certain sameness in many of his roles, he makes each one special and unique in its own way, like a fingerprint. Whatever role he plays, there is an intensity and a charisma that lies beneath the surface ready to bubble forth, even when he portrays a subdued role. Whether he is mute or loquacious, you are never quite sure what he’s going to do next, so you watch him, intently, until reveals his next move. Robert Duvall is simply fascinating.

In Get Low, Robert Duvall is Felix Bush, a hermit who has lived alone for over 40 years. Out of shame, he has built himself a personal prison out in the woods and seldom leaves his home. Like Boo Radley, Felix Bush has become a boogey man. Children fear him, adults shun him, and everyone gossips about this strange solitary man. They all wonder what evil befell him and why he insists on living alone.

One day, the local pastor braves the hermit’s “No Damn Trespassing” sign to let him know that someone in his life had died. Bush stoically receives the news and then sends the pastor on his way. But after he is gone it sets him to thinking. What will people say about him after he is gone? For forty years he has kept his secret, only one other person knows the truth. He decides that instead of waiting until his death that he’ll plan his funeral now. This will be his chance to set things straight and finally reveal the truth.

When Felix Bush enters town with his wagon and mule, the locals are set a twitter. He approaches Gerald McRaney (The A-Team) the pastor and asks him about a funeral. The minister who has been raised on the rumors of this mysterious man insists on a confession first, but Bush refuses and storms out of the church. Within earshot is young Buddy, Lucas Black (Sling Blade). He works for the local funeral parlor and he overhears the entire conversation. When he takes the news back to his boss, Bill Murray (Zombieland), they decide to go after the man’s business. This is 1930’s Tennessee and times are hard. Rumor is that the hermit has a large greasy ball of cash.

After a few setbacks, the pair finally has a sit down with the old man. They are shocked to discover that he wants to have his funeral while he is still alive. Buddy balks at the idea, but Bill Murray’s character sees that as a minor detail. He is prepared to give the man whatever he wants. This is his chance to save his failing business.

Like Robert Duvall, Bill Murray is unpredictable. He will say his line with a perfectly straight face but with his wry smile and twinkling eyes you never know what he is going to do next. You expect him at anytime to say, “Just kidding.” The two of them together in a film is a rare treat. I loved watching their performances. Since it takes the entire length of the film to reveal the hermit’s secret, there is a lot of time to watch these two. In addition, Sissy Spacek (Coal Miner’s daughter) is in this film. She plays a widow who has recently moved back to town and she is somehow connected to Felix’s past. It takes awhile to discover how, but the mystery will finally reveal itself in the end. What makes this story even more interesting is that it is based on a true story. Life can be stranger than fiction.

Rating: First Run A story of a man who wants to attend his own funeral