PLIMOTH CINEMA: 'Get Low'

I relish the often unique and non-Hollywood themes that most independent films offer. It was true of the recent Winter’s Bone, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played With Fire, and it’s true of the latest offbeat offering, Get Low, running through Sept. 9 at Plimoth Cinema.

This story is loosely based on a real-life Tennessee legend named Felix “Bush” Breazeale, who arranged to have his funeral while alive so he could enjoy it. The 1930s event drew 8,000 people, the largest assemblage ever seen in Roane County, and his story has slowly evolved in the local folklore.

This film version has Felix cast as a taciturn and curmudgeonly recluse who has come out of the deep woods and, in a similar way, arrange his funeral, i.e., to “get low.”

Felix, inhabited so well here by Robert Duvall, has lived a 40-year, self-imposed exile. The sign at the end of his driveway says “No Damn Trespassing!” Unflattering rumors about Felix abound, and he has developed a frightening reputation among the folks throughout the county.

One might get an initial impression from the remote and very authentic southern setting, as well as from Felix’s unkempt backwoods appearance, that we are in for a little more of the ‘bleak’ of Winter’s Bone. But that is not the case, as this film is just an amusing tall tale. After all, who cares enough to be around to hear what people have to say about them when they are dead?

The central mystery of the film is why Felix became a recluse in the first place. As the film develops, we see that Felix has decided that it’s time for atonement for a 40-year-old secret. In the end, Get Low is a story of redemption, forgiveness and acceptance.

With Robert Duvall, Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek, this film is an example of what can be accomplished with great casting.

Duvall captures his role perfectly and is reason enough to see the film. Over his 80 years Duvall has played 130 roles, wining an Academy Award for Tender Mercies. His first role was as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird, and many see comparisons to Felix here.

Murray steps in as the local mortician, Frank Quinn, who is a rather charming but slightly oily opportunist who occasionally skates close to unscrupulous. Murray adds to the humor strewn through the film.

After 40 years of living in seclusion, Felix is brought to a turning point on hearing of the death of an old school classmate. Catalyzed to action, he hitches up his mule and buggy and heads into town to make his own arrangements with the undertaker. 

Seeing financial opportunity, Frank takes charge of Felix’ plans. Business has been slow and Frank complains that people just aren’t dying like they used to. When Felix pulls out a wad of cash, Frank resolves to get as much of it as he can. Not entirely certain he can pull off this event, Frank won’t let opportunity pass him by.

Felix offers a big party to which everyone in the county is invited. He goes all out, raffling tickets for his farm and going on the radio to spread the word.

Oscar winner Sissy Spacek appears as an old friend, who Felix abandoned when he went into seclusion 40 years ago. In the end, his funeral speech is not so much addressed to the assembled crowd as to her. In the process, Felix unburdens himself of the guilt he has carried all these years. Duvall’s delivery of Felix’ speech is a high point of the film and a measure of this great actor’s talent.

“It’s a winning blend of light comedy and gallows humor” and “one of the high points of the summer,” according to critic Colin Covert. Rex Reed says “Get Low is a treasure.”

The film enjoys a solid 84 percent national critics rating.

Coming soon: Cairo Time and Leaves of Grass.

Screenings are offered every day at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Check film times by calling 508-746-1622, ext. 8877, check Plimoth Cinema’s film listings at www.plimoth.org and sign up for e-mail notices of upcoming films

All films are screened in the Linn Theater in Plimoth Plantation’s Visitor Center. Beer and wine are offered each Saturday. General admission is $9.50, $7.50 for Plantation members and seniors. Plimoth Cinema Club Cards, valid for the season, cost $10 and entitle one person to $1.50 off admission to any film shown at the Cinema.