Get Low is the AMAZING story of a man who has become a hermit in his old age and is misunderstood by everyone in the small town. He lives just outside the town, in a time period that wasn’t clearly defined, but my guess is late 20’s early 30’s. Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) has lived alone for 40 years and doesn’t like to be disturbed, in fact he posts a sign that reads “No DAMN Trespassing! Beware of Mule”, because recently kids came and threw rocks through his window. Felix goes into town to attempt to set up a funeral for himself and is politely turned away by the local reverend – despite his large wad of cash in hand. But, just outside the reverend’s door, a young resident, Buddy (Lucas Black) was listening to the strange request.
Buddy works for the local funeral parlor, run by Frank Quinn (Bill Murray), who is a quick talking man willing to do anything to save his struggling funeral parlor. Buddy and Frank go to Felix’s house to see if they can accommodate Felix’s wishes. Felix explains he wants to have a “Living Funeral” where everyone in town comes and tells a story about him. Quinn is eager to oblige . . . he needs the cash. On the way out, Felix runs into Mattie Darrow (Sissy Spacek), an old friend from his past.
Felix, Buddy, and Frank are going to town to get posters ready and clean Felix up for his “Living Funeral”, when they ask how Felix knows Mattie in which Duvall delivers a sure to be CLASSIC line. (The facial reactions from Bill Murray and Lucas Black here are priceless and just added more to the scene). Mattie happens upon Felix’s place and they end up going for a walk and spending some time together, but she gets offended and leaves after seeing a picture on the wall, with no real explanation why for the audience.
Felix goes to a local radio station w/ Frank and Buddy to hype the “Living Funeral” when Felix drops the bombshell that they’re going to offer raffle tickets for $5 and the winner will win Felix’s property after he passes. Felix next tells Buddy that they’re going for a drive, and for Buddy to not stop till he tells him. Here we learn more about Felix and some unfinished business.
Felix decides that he’s going to tell his own story at his funeral and get the burden that’s been with him for 40 years off of his chest. Everything is set up for the “Living Funeral”, which was like Woodstock of its time. Felix reveals all the final pieces to the puzzle of his life – in a wonderful moment of clarity, all the questions that had been brought up beforehand are answered.
This movie was just a WONDERFUL story that was very well told, and very well acted. The interaction between Robert Duvall and Bill Murray was magical, and the acting from everyone was very well done. This movie had comedy, drama, and a story that pulled the viewer in to enjoy it. I HIGHLY recommend that anyone who likes movies that are funny, yet have a heart without being Romantic check this movie out. I can honestly say this is my FAVORITE movie I’ve seen this year, and it’s a film that gives me a greater understanding of why I LOVE movies.
