The Straight Story 1999
"A true story that proves a little determination goes a very, very long way."
In *The Straight Story (1999)*, visionary director David Lynch crafts a quietly moving drama inspired by true events, blending gentle humor and profound reflection.
Director: David Lynch
Cast
Richard Farnsworth
Alvin
Sissy Spacek
Rose
Jane Galloway Heitz
Dorothy
Joseph A. Carpenter
Bud
Donald Wiegert
Sig
Tracey Maloney
Nurse
Dan Flannery
Doctor Gibbons
Jennifer Edwards
Brenda
Ed Grennan
Pete
Jack Walsh
Apple
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Straight Story (1999) about?
Alvin Straight, a retired farmer, learns his estranged brother has suffered a stroke and decides to visit him before it's too late. With no car of his own, Alvin undertakes a remarkable 360-mile trip from Iowa to Wisconsin on a second-hand lawnmower, turning a simple act of kindness into a poignant reflection on time and connection.
Who directed The Straight Story?
The film was directed by David Lynch, the acclaimed filmmaker behind *Twin Peaks* and *Blue Velvet*, known for his unique blend of surrealism and realism.
Who stars in The Straight Story?
The film features Richard Farnsworth in the lead role, supported by Sissy Spacek, Jane Galloway Heitz, Joseph A. Carpenter, and Donald Wiegert.
Is The Straight Story (1999) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you appreciate slow-burn dramas with rich character development and emotional depth. While it's not an action-packed film, its quiet power and genuine moments of humanity make it a rewarding experience, especially for fans of Lynch's more contemplative work.
How long is The Straight Story?
The film runs for 112 minutes, or just under two hours.
🎥 Trailer
About The Straight Story (1999) — A Lawnmower Road Trip of Heart and Memory
In *The Straight Story (1999)*, visionary director David Lynch crafts a quietly moving drama inspired by true events, blending gentle humor and profound reflection. Richard Farnsworth delivers a career-defining performance as Alvin Straight, a stubborn yet tender-hearted widower who refuses to let age or distance stand in the way of reconnecting with his estranged brother. With no car and no license to drive, Alvin embarks on an extraordinary 360-mile journey from Iowa to Wisconsin—on a second-hand lawnmower. Along the way, he encounters quirky strangers, recalls memories of rural life, and confronts the fragility of time itself. This slow-paced yet deeply human story is a meditation on reconciliation, the power of determination, and the quiet beauty of ordinary lives.
Lynch's direction infuses the film with an intimate, almost dreamlike atmosphere, while the rural landscapes become a silent character in their own right. The gentle pacing allows the emotional weight to resonate, making *The Straight Story (1999)* a standout drama for those who appreciate character-driven films that find depth in simplicity.
