Get Low: A Masterful Work of Art

I had the distinct pleasure to view the film Get Low yesterday evening at the Fountain theatre in Old Mesilla. Get Low is the type of movie you always hope to see when you head to the theater. It has that beautiful combination of cast, script, direction and performance that leaves you speechless.

Get Low is set in the rural Tennessee woods during the Depression era. Robert Duvall plays Felix Bush, a callous hermit who has become a local legend in town lore. Felix decides that he wants a living funeral, and seeing the possible money opportunities, funeral director Frank Quinn (Bill Murray) agrees to help Felix with his request. As the movie progresses, we see that Felix's rough facade is really hiding a tormented soul who's secret past has caused him to choose a life self banishment.

Get Low is a wonderfully elegant story about guilt, redemption and forgiveness. Bill Murray's dry comedic timing is spot on, and Sissy Spacek is angelic in her portrayal as Mattie Darrow. It is Robert Duvall's performance however that stands above the rest. By far, one of the finest achievements of his illustrious career, Duvall should be the front runner for this year's Best Actor Oscar. Get Low is a masterful work of art, and easily one of the best films of 2010. (**** Stars)