The Straight Story

Dir. David Lynch. 1999, 112 mins. U.S. 35mm. With Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton. The story is pure and beautifully simple: a septuagenarian named Alvin Straight buys a John Deere tractor and drives it from Iowa to Wisconsin to see his estranged, ailing brother. From this true story, Lynch crafts a splendid, deeply felt work as overflowing with human eccentricity as any of the director’s other masterpieces, yet fueled by a singular gentility. In his final role, legendary character actor Farnsworth crafts a character whose sheer resolve is matched only by the natural vulnerability of old age, while Spacek sensitively shades the character of his grown daughter, who still lives at home because of a mental disability. Featuring vast amber vistas of the American heartland courtesy of the great cinematographer Freddie Francis, The Straight Story is one of Lynch’s most uncharacteristic and undoubtedly best films. 

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / free for MoMI members at the Senior/Student level and above. There is a $1.50 transaction fee per ticket for all online purchases. The cost of admission may be applied toward a same-day purchase of a membership. 

Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission.