AFI Premeire Viewing of the Movie Get Low

Tuesday Night, July 27^th 2010 was the AFI sponsored premiere of the movie Get Low. Get Low is an excellent film that is based on a true story and it features the vast acting talent of Robert Duvall. The premiere was attended by several stars and many AFI members and AFI Associate members. Seeing such a great movie in the presence of such company was a great experience for me. The showing was held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater and featured a reception after where you could mingle with and talk to the stars of the film afterward.

Get Low is one of those solid films that have warmth and heart mixed in with a bit of bitter reality. It has great characters, wonderful acting, a great story, and some very nice cinematography. I really enjoyed this film and since its release date in December 26, 2010; I wouldn't be surprised to see this film get some Oscar nods especially for Robert Duvall's role.

The story is kind of unique. It is set in the 1930's and features some interesting characters. Old Man Bush (Robert Duvall) is your typical hermit old man. He lives alone with no electricity or modern conveniences. He warns trespassers off his property with a shot gun blast and people tell stories about how he has killed people and how he is unfit for female company. After the death of an acquaintance, Bush figures he should get his affairs in order so he sees about getting a funeral. The funeral director, Frank Quinn (Bill Murray), of a funeral home that is going broke hears about Bush's want for a funeral and the money he is willing to spend on it. With dollar signs in mind Frank and his assistant, Buddy (Lucas Black), go and see if they can help Bush with his funeral wish. Bush tells Frank and Buddy that he would like a party for his funeral but there is one catch, he wants to have it now before he dies. It is an unusual request but in the interest of Bush's money Frank decides to humor the old man. When asked whom he wants to invite Bush says anyone who has a story to tell about him. But the most interesting story that will be told at the party will be the one that Bush himself tells about his past.

I was really impressed by this film. It has a good story that is a clean story so you could take your family to see this film. I think my grandmother will love it. There is some lovely cinematography especially in the beginning sequences of the film. The dialog is nicely written without be hokey which sometimes happens in movies set in the South. And the fact that it is based on a true story makes it even better.

The acting was phenomenal. Robert Duvall was fantastic. I expect to see him get an Oscar nod for this role. He made his character so real with all the little habits and nuisances of an old man, it was perfect. He made his character real. Sissy Spacek plays the role of Bush's old girlfriend who plays a role in his past and his story. She did a great job. Bill Murray is great as the funeral director Frank Quinn. Frank is the quintessential salesman but he is not completely eat up with it there is still a soul there somewhere. Lucas Black was wonderful as the funeral director's assistant. He first helps Frank with Bush's party because he needs the money for his young family but he then wonders if what they are doing is right. He is a very warm, caring character that comes to care a bit for the old man. And I must say that Lucas Black is a very nice young man. I got a chance to meet him in the premiere reception and he was very nice and polite and he is quite cute in person. Bill Cobbs plays the Reverend Charlie Jackson who is a friend of Bush's from way back and also knows his terribly past and he urges him to confess the secret of his past.

The premiere was a great experience. It was fun for me to see and meet some of the stars of the film. I am glad this viewing was open to the public. All of the main cast was there except for Bill Murray as were many other stars. At the sandwich and desert reception, you were allowed to mix freely with the stars and they were all approachable even Robert Duvall. Some signed autographs and took pictures with the fans and the general audience that were in attendance. The reception lasted for about two hours after the film so you could get a chance to see and speak with everyone. This was a great event and I was glad I attended and it was wonderful that the movie was such a gem. You should definitely check this film out when you get a chance you won't regret it.