“ALIVE AT YOUR OWN FUNERAL”
Starring: Robert Duval, Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray, Lucas Black and Bill Cobbs
Directed by: Aaron Schneider
MPAA Rating: PG 13 for some thematic material and brief violent content.
Genre: Drama, Dark Comedy, based on a true story
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Running Time: 1hr 40 min
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
By John Delia
Inspired by a true story, Get Low transports the audience to the late 1930’s for a very unusual event. Top notch acting, directing and smart cinematography makes the film an exceptional piece for those that like their drama with some dark comedy. Get Low stands a chance for award nominations in all aspects, especially the acting of Robert Duvall and Bill Murray.
The film tells the remarkable real account of Felix Bush, a lowly hermit who lived in a cabin far from a small town for forty years. Although most people only knew about him from tales that he was involved in wrong doing, most loathed his demeanor when he came to town, a deep secret to why he decided to spend so many years as a recluse had never been substantiated. One day following a trip to town for getting supplies a ruckus breaks out between Felix and a villager. Felix decides he’s had enough as a hermit. With his shotgun and a roll of money he waltzes into town and approaches Frank Quinn (Bill Murray), the local funeral director, to set up a memorial service, but an unusual one. Deciding that he wants to hear what the townspeople feel about him he wants his service while he is alive. Thus begins a tale that takes Felix, Quinn and his salesman Buddy (Lucas Black) on an emotional journey.
The casting for Get Low gives the audience a chance to see remarkable actors Duvall and Murray in action. The two amazing stars give one of the best performances of their long careers.  Although Duvall as Felix did remind me a lot of his strong performance in The Apostle for which he was nominated for an Oscar, the cool as a cumber actor pervades his character with anger, loathing, then sympathy and a desire for forgiveness. Murray puts on the show as fast-talking salesman Quinn who will go to any length to make a buck. He’s the epitome of the word schmooze and taker, but when the tables get turned the word humble comes to mind.
Direction by first timer Aaron Schneider is pinpoint and creative bringing 1938 to life with a 30’s hearse, costumes and sets. His ability to bring out remarkable performances from his cast that also includes six time academy award nominee Sissy Spacek, Lucas Black (Jarhead, Legion) and the amazing Bill Cobbs, shows he’s an up and coming directorial star.
Get Low is rated PG 13 for some thematic material and brief violent content.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An acting tour de force. (4 of 5)