A tragic yet beautiful story and a fantastic final performance from one of cinema’s greats, Harry Dean Stanton.
The spiritual journey of a ninety-year-old atheist.
A rather simple story by definition, but the way the characters are presented emotionally connect you to everyone on screen. This small town feels real, Logan Sparks and Drago Sumonja have written an excellent screenplay and John Carroll Lynch has directed it masterfully. You watch Harry Dean Stanton’s Lucky interact with everyone, but every interaction seems marred with the fact of his own mortality. We’re essentially watching Lucky die on screen over 90 minutes. Despite his ageing views and cynicism you still fall in love with his character.
The ensemble cast including David Lynch, Ron Livingston and Ed Begley Jr. are excellent. However, it is Dean Stanton who really shines in his final role. He died earlier in the year, but this most excellent performance is a fitting swan-song. The cinematography is stunning and the music used sparingly, but appropriately. It’s fascinating to watch how one man in a small town can affect so many.
Overall a perfect, human film.
4.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment