9. The Straight Story (1999)
This isn't even close to a bad film, it's nothing more than a sure-fire simple (hence the title) story that surrounds a man trying to get cross country to see his brother who is ill. The twist, if you can call it such, is that his method of transport is a lawnmower. Coming after the madness that is Lost Highway, this film could not further removed from his previous work, it also could not be more intriguing a choice. A Disney film for Lynch? Maybe he has a twisted bucket list, but opting to do this film is more insane than a menstruating chicken (Sorry if you haven't seen Eraserhead). Based on a true story and filmed in sequence, The Straight Story is a sweet natured film, it is a beautiful tale that anyone can see and enjoy and it really questions morality and the slowing down of life (hence the metaphor of the lawnmower), as we all edge closer to slipping from this mortal coil.To quote the main character Alvin; the worst part of getting old is 'remembering when you was young'. Give this film a go, it is beautiful to see Lynch approaching an entirely different subject to his usual stock, it is both refreshing and interesting to see his perception isn't entirely one dimensional. The end of the film is sentimental, something that is seen in only one other of Lynch's films. He does the surreal well, but he also knows how to break your heart.
The Severed Ear Scale of Madness: 0/5