Get Low: Thoughtful nourishment for the soul

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 09 September 2010 13:17

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help parents choose what to watch with their children. This week’s pick is a new film, Get Low.

How many of us are prepared for death?

How carefully have we considered the unfinished business we may want to address? Or the people who may hunger for closure with us? Or those who may be waiting to hear us say things that, after so many years, we find difficult to express?

The lovely new film, Get Low, thoughtfully explores how one older man, in the final chapter of his life, dares to come to terms with himself and those he may have hurt over the years. Without unbearable exaggeration, the film clearly and simply addresses the question, “what conversations does a man need to have before he can die in peace?”

Oscar-winner Robert Duvall, in a thrilling performance, portrays a hermit in the rural Southeast who becomes, over the years, a mystery to the people in a nearby town. He frightens them, on purpose, and confuses them, on purpose, but doesn’t actually have anything against them. He simply wants to wrestle with his demons in his solitude.

He lives by himself — on hundreds of acres in rural Georgia — many years after he experienced an intense personal tragedy that has haunted the rest of his life. Now, as he can see the end of his life in sight, he wants to come to terms with what happened and who needs to know. He decides to engage the town mortician (a hysterical Bill Murray) to stage his own funeral so that he and others have a chance to share the truth one final time. As Duvall begins to prepare for his services, he begins to confront the mysteries of the past and the passage of time. His reunion with a special lady from many years before, beautifully played by Sissy Spacek, resurrects a spark that motivates this solitary man to connect with others while he still can.

Get Low offers movie nourishment for the mind, the heart and the soul. It asks us questions, avoids overstating the answers and introduces us to a handful of fascinating people. Without try to cover too much, or push a point of view, the film reminds each of us of things we need to do.

This is certainly one of the year’s most satisfying films, a movie so tender in its topic, so careful its approach, so respectful of its delicate subject matter. The film shines in its respect for the integrity of its lead characters. They are flawed, they hurt each other, they confuse the world. But they try. And they do want to connect while they still have time. Director Aaron Schneider beautifully creates a world where feelings matter

Each of us has conversations we need to have. Our children need to learn, from early stages, why closure is important, why feelings are sacred, and how people should treat each other at delicate moments in life. The film offers a marvelous opportunity to talk with your children about the inevitability of death, the necessity for conversation, and the importance of simply acts of caring. Get Low is a loving reminder that we each need to make the most of the time we have.

Film Nutritional Value:

Get Low

Content: High. The film offers a strong moral for families to share.

Entertainment: High. The moral does not overwhelm natural humor generated by colorful characters and situations.

Message: High. Savor the film for the important lessons that can be meaningful to everyone. As long as there is time, take the time to make the connections to have the conversations that will always be cherished.

Relevance: High. As long as we need to reach out to people, we can learn from this film.

Dialogue: High. Take the time to discuss what changes the film’s lessons can motivate.

5 Popcorn Buckets

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