‘I built my own jail and put myself in it…’
Sometimes all the ingredients are there for a great film but they just don’t hit the way they should. Get Low has a great cast led by Robert Duvall and Bill Murray. It has a great concept. It looks lovely. All autumn reds and browns. And yet, I never really lost myself in Aaron Schneider’s film…
Felix Bush (Duvall) has spent most of his life living as a hermit on the outskirts of Tennessee. One fine morning, Bush, who the villagers believe is in league with the devil, shows up in town and makes a bizarre request – a “funeral party” for himself. He enlists the help of funeral director Frank Quinn (Murray) and the two set out on a quest that will take in hard truths, forgiveness and ultimately redemption.
Get Low is a subtle and nuanced film, driven by an admittedly incredible performance from Duvall, the problem is that in places it is too subtle. While this is all in service of Duvall’s blistering final monologue, the destination doesn’t really justify the journey, which too often is plodding and repetitive.
Having said that, it’s a joy to see Duvall and Murray sparring it out, and able support is provided by Sissy Spacek and Bill Cobbs, and I can totally see why Get Low was a critical success and received a warm audience response. It just didn’t spark for me is all.