Get Low

Robert Duvall is an actor who is as familiar to us as a worn flannel shirt. We know how good he can be. Sometimes we mistake familiarity of style with repetition. It's true we've seen Duvall play characters with similar demeanor as Felix Bush in "Get Low", but the greatness of an actor of Duvall's caliber is in his ability to surprise us. Duvall, as Felix Bush, surprises us frequently. It's a feast for the senses to watch him work.
There are other reasons to see "Get Low", including a terrific ensemble and a good script. Sissy Spacek gives an honest and low key performance and a young actor named Lucas Black is remarkably good. That brings us to Bill Murray. Murray is fine in this film, funny and biting and off-beat. Here's my problem with him; he seems oddly cast, almost shoe-horned into the role. There is even a reference that his character is transplanted from Chicago to the deep south. I can't help but wonder if that wasn't a writing fix for Murray's lack of southern sensibility (and southern accent). No matter. It doesn't spoil the proceedings.
"Get Low" is a simple story of a man who needs to confess his sins and his secret before he leaves this earth. It has the feel of a real indie feature despite the star power, as if the title serves as a double entendre for the budget. But Duvall's closing monologue at his own funeral is well worth the price of admission. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get lots of awards consideration. He actually deserves it.