The Straight Story
The Straight Story (1999)
“A true story that proves a little determination goes a very, very long way.”
Synopsis & Story Arc
Official Logline
Retired farmer and widower Alvin Straight learns one day that his estranged brother Lyle has suffered a severe stroke. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver's license. He then has the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey.
Complete Cast & Crew Directory
Directing & Screenplay
Cast & Characters
Richard Farnsworth
Richard Farnsworth
as Alvin
Sissy Spacek
Sissy Spacek
as Rose
Jane Galloway Heitz
Jane Galloway Heitz
as Dorothy
Joseph A. Carpenter
Joseph A. Carpenter
as BudDonald Wiegert
Donald Wiegert
as SigTracey Maloney
Tracey Maloney
as Nurse
Dan Flannery
Dan Flannery
as Doctor GibbonsJennifer Edwards
Jennifer Edwards
as BrendaEd Grennan
Ed Grennan
as Pete
Jack Walsh
Jack Walsh
as AppleGil Pearson
Gil Pearson
as Bus DriverBarbara June Patterson
Barbara June Patterson
as Woman on BusCinematography & Large-Format Specifications
Cinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 112 min |
Behind The Scenes
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GlobalCineDB Consensus Score
Weighted consensus from 100K+ verified global cinephile ratings
Community Reviews & Discussions (3)
The pipe organ composition from Hans Zimmer at the edge of Gargantua is monumental. Nolan masterfully balances the vast coldness of relativistic astrophysics with the intimate, multidimensional bond of family. A transcendent achievement of cinema.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Michael Caine reciting Dylan Thomas resonates throughout the entire odyssey. Pure cinematic grandeur.