Day 82: Get Low (2009)

This was showing at the Bytowne, and I managed to win free passes to see it through Twitter. Can't turn down free tickets to a movie.

From the film synopsis, it is "a movie spun out of equal parts folk tale, fable and real-life legend about the mysterious, 1930s Tennessee hermit who famously threw his own rollicking funeral party... while he was still alive." Starring Robert Duvall as the hermit, and Bill Murray as the funeral home director, the duo bring an incredible amount of talent and charm to this subtle humorous film. A film that allows both actors to provide emotional and real roles that resonate with the audience - granted either actor could sit on the screen for an hour and people who watch, but thankfully they provide a lot more here.

The film does lag a bit, and could have used some faster editing, but it provides a slow-paced drama that allows the characters to develop and prosper. The climax of the film comes with a speech given by Duvall at the end, and he delivers it with such grace and skill that you'd swear he was telling a true story. Overall, it's a compelling story, with flawless acting with spot-on casting choices, deftly directed, and with camera work supports the story with warm tones.

My one complaint is that the film should have ended one scene earlier. I was actually convinced the film was over, and then came on a short scene that felt tacked on and was unnecessary, and in my opinion, ruined the flow of the ending.