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Duvall Gets Low Down

In "Get Low", Robert Duvall gives a portrayal that can stand proudly amongst his many other fabulous roles. He is a mortal lock to garner an Academy Award nomination for this juicy portrayal. The good news is that "Get Low" is a pretty fair film in its own right. While it pales as a whole next to Duvall's character portrayal, it is no slouch either.

Duvall plays Felix Bush, a cantankerous, feared, odd recluse. Townsfolk tell various stories about him that range from him being a creep all the way up to a cold-blooded killer. He avoids everyone and they gladly avoid him. The truce is broken when Felix rides into town, in search of arranging a funeral. His own funeral. The local funeral parlor manager, Frank Quinn (Bill Murray), is happy to accommodate Felix's request, especially since Felix has the cash to pay upfront. The catch is that Felix wants to have a "living" funeral. In other words, he wants to be there while he is still alive. His desire is for people to show up and tell stories about him while he listens. We aren't sure why until that scene plays out.

The back story of Felix is slowly revealed by Aaron Schneider, in his directorial debut. The rest of the people behind the camera are a virtual all-star team of talent. Toss in Sissy Spacek as a lady from Felix's past and the overall effect is worthwhile, but if only it could keep pace with Mr. Duvall's on-screen strength. Then again, if it could do that, we would be talking a Best Picture nomination, as well, and I can't imagine that "Get Low" is strong enough to pull it off. "Get Low" is a must-see if you value the craft of acting. If you don't value that, I don't want you reading my reviews anymore, anyway. Just go see it and be quick about it.