Get Low, trailer

Reviewed at the Toronto International Film Festival by Variety’s Joe Leyden, Sept 2009:

With a mix of sly humor, homespun grace and affecting poignancy, “Get Low” casts a well-nigh irresistible spell while spinning a Depression-era folk tale from the Tennessee backwoods. Robert Duvall compellingly underplays the larger-than-life lead role of Felix Bush, a notorious hermit who rejoins society only to plan his own funeral party, and he’s backed by smartly cast supporting players who clearly savor the twofer of portraying vividly drawn characters opposite a consummate thesp…

At heart a tale of forgiveness and redemption, “Get Low” manages the difficult feat of being at once understated and vigorous in its confident storytelling…

Duvall’s more emotionally charged scenes with Spacek and Cobbs are low-key yet powerful, and Schneider wisely refrains from overemphasizing the obvious with intrusive music or flashy technique. Straightforward simplicity is the defining trait of the pic as a whole, reflected in the evocative bluegrass-flavored score by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek and the lovely widescreen lensing of David Boyd. “Get Low” obviously is a labor of love for all involved…

(Thanks to Kevin Klawitter)