THE STRAIGHT STORY (1999) | Free Screening | Electric Film Series

The year was 1999 and the last thing anyone probably expected at the time was a tender-hearted, G-rated drama from the great American surrealist, David Lynch. I mean…We’re talking about the same man who unleased the likes of “Eraserhead,” “Blue Velvet,” “Lost Highway,” “Mulholland Drive,” and “Wild at Heart” upon the world. Of course, Lynch also directed “The Elephant Man” for Mel Brooks nearly two decades earlier, proving a good director is a good director no matter what subject matter they’re tackling. “The Straight Story” features national treasure Richard Farnsworth as Alvin Straight, an elderly man with failing health and bad eyesight who, upon learning that his estranged brother has just suffered from a heart attack, opts to take an epic road trip to be by his sibling’s side in a time a need. Since he doesn’t have a driver's license, however, he makes the trip by way of a riding lawnmower. This understated, lesser-seen movie is one of the unsung gems of the 90s and we couldn't be any more excited to share it with Electric Film Series attendees.

Per usual, we at The Electric Film Series aren’t just about the movies themselves. We’re also all about film history and context and as such, with each of these screenings we have a very special guest on hand to introduce the title of the evening and to lead a post-screening discussion. Our special guest for “The Straight Story” is Patrick Smith, a beloved UTU Film Professor who, among other things, also happens to be quite the David Lynch enthusiast (he’s even taught classes on this particular filmmaker) making him the perfect special guest for this screening. Yet another reason to attend!

Be sure to arrive at the screening a little early and order an optional menu item from our annual Sponsor, Riggatti’s to enjoy during the post-screening discussion or, you can feel free to take it home with you following the movie.

On a final note, don’t forget to spread the word about the 2023 Electric Film Series! We have quite the year planned and film screenings are always a grander experience when accompanied by a big, enthusiastic, cinema-loving crowd.

We hope to see you all there!

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More on the Electric Film Series;

FMASU proudly presents The Electric Film Series - A Journey Through the History of Film: Volume 3!

We're taking audiences on a cinematic adventure that spans over a century of film…

The third Tuesday of every month, throughout 2023...

And it’s completely free to the community!

Spread the word!