Page 20 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • September 22, 2010 Depression-era fable features enigmatic character by Dennis Seuling “Get Low” is a small film that makes up for the shallow caricatures Hollywood often passes off as characters. Rather than serve as conduits for exposition or immediately identifiable types, the people in “Get Low” ring true. They are often eccentric, but nonetheless authentic. In 1930s Tennessee, elderly Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) lives alone in a remote cabin in the woods. He has become notorious because of assorted eccentricities, including firing his shotgun at trespassers. When news of an old friend’s death reaches him, he gets an idea. He wants to pay for his own funeral, but attend it while he is still alive in order to hear what people will say about him. With a wad of cash, he goes the local preacher (Gerald McRaney) with his request, but is rebuffed because of the religious and moral strings attached. However, funeral director Frank Quinn (Bill Murray) is more than happy to accommodate Felix. Felix is willing to pay cash, and business has been poor. Frank dispatches his young assistant, Buddy (Lucas Black), to present a convincing sales pitch. Buddy and Felix form a bond, if guarded, and plans are set in motion to have a huge funeral party with folks invited from three counties. Director Aaron Schneider has expanded what might have been a short film into a feature-length character study of Felix, who remains, for most of the movie, a mystery. Viewers wonder about him, become involved in the plans for this unusual event, and gradually learn about his past through others. As depicted early on, Felix is pretty much a hermit. It comes as a surprise when he is greeted warmly by Mattie Darrow (Sissy Spacek), a widow who has recently returned from Saint Louis. Later, more of Felix’s background is revealed through an old friend, the Reverend Charlie Jackson (Bill Cobbs). Felix himself opens up more as the film progresses and we discover some terrible event has been haunting him for 40 years. Duvall is superb as Felix. He portrays three stages of the man: ornery curmudgeon, partner in the funeral planning, and a person who craves redemption. Duvall has a knack for playing outwardly simple people with great depth. A master of film acting, he keeps the focus of the early scenes on Felix even though he has little dialogue. He inhabits the role of Felix effortlessly and makes him Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, and Bill Cobbs in ‘Get Low.’ empathetic, revealing facets of his character that are not immediately apparent and vividly bringing him to life in the process. Spacek is very good as a woman from Felix’s past who offers clues as to why he has led such a lonely life. Her Minnie is warm, open, and genuine. The character is important in the story’s development, helping to underscore Felix’s complexity and revealing his compassion. The scenes Duvall and Spacek play together are touching, though Minnie clearly reminds Felix of unpleasant times.’ As Reverend Jackson, Bill Cobbs conveys stubbornness, dignity, and loyalty. As a contemporary of Felix, Rev. Jackson is one of few individuals who knows why Felix has lived in virtual solitude for four decades. Black is very good as the assistant funeral director, a family man doing the best to take care of his loved ones in hard times. It’s Murray, however, who steals a lot of the scenes in “Get Low.” The writers have given him some zippy dialogue. The script shows Frank Quinn as a decent man eager for business, but also one who is willing to do whatever his client wants, no matter how out of the ordinary it seems. Not a perfect man, with more than his share of character flaws, Frank will try to make Felix’s funeral all he wants and expects. Because so much of the story involves getting the party to fruition, it is sad that the eventual funeral party is a disappointment. There are lots of extras, period cars, and tents, but aside from four locals playing country music, the scene looks more like a rally than a party. It would be nice if this scene could have had enhanced production values. A limited budget may have been the culprit here. Rated PG-13, “Get Low” is an example of first-class movie making with excellent performances, an engaging story, and a credible recreation of rural Depression-era America. State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 K IRK E RS INN TOP GERMAN AMERICAN RESTAURANT IN BERGEN & PASSAIC COUNTIES Sauerbrauten • Schnitzels • Bavarian Sausages Goulash • Potato Pancakes • Dumplings Spaetzel and more. GERMAN FULL BEERS ON TAP Plus Our Regular Menu • Reservations Suggested Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. 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