Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) is a grizzled 1930s hermit who's a simultaneous object of fascination and fear for local townsfolk. The lurid truth promises to come to light when he requests a funeral party while he's still alive... but Felix's terrible secret, when finally revealed, is really not that terrible at all. Consequently, by the time Get Low's credits roll and Alison Krauss starts warbling, it's running on fumes of treacly sentimentality.
But earlier scenes offer an appealing mix of personal drama and mordant comedy, set in my second favourite era of period Americana: The Carnivale Time. (My favourite is The Mad Men Time.) As sardonic undertaker Frank Quinn, Bill Murray is actually acting rather than shambling ironically through the film; Frank's appetite for Felix's "hermit money" disguises both decency and quiet desperation. More nice performances come from a gruff Duvall, from Sissy Spacek as Felix's old flame Mattie Darrow, and from Lucas Black as Frank's honest assistant Buddy.
While evocative, this character study is too gently, respectfully observed to be powerful. "A thousand years ago, he was the most interesting man I'd ever met," reflects Mattie. It's a shame Felix's funeral turns out to be so boring.
By Mel Cambell
What:
Get Low
When:
In cinemas May 26
Watch the trailer:
Here
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