"Get Low" characterizes what has come to be Robert Duvall's standard role in a few ways. First and foremost his god-given talent to play an old man. Even though he's had many famous roles such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now" when he was young, the first image that comes to mind when I think of Duvall is the grizzled old man you find in "Open Range", "Crazy Heart", and now "Get Low". The second most noticeable trait is the theme of this movie: forgiveness. Naturally this theme can be interpreted as 'redemption' and is seen in the likes of "Tender Mercies" and "The Apostle" which Duvall wrote, directed, and starred in. I'd say that "Get Low" just about takes the cake on all accounts of Duvall's performance as an old man and the theme of forgiveness.
In this unnamed area of America, (I'm assuming somewhere around Pennsylvania/Virginia judging by the countryside) everyone has heard the stories about old hermit Felix Bush. He's lived on his own out in the woods for 40 years until he shows up in town one day to say that he'd like to put on his own funeral. At first, the reverend there won't help him since the idea of him being alive at his own funeral is beyond absurd. Then funeral home owner Frank (Bill Murray), followed by his reluctant associate Buddy (Lucas Black), sees an opportunity to make some money by setting up a funeral party for Bush. But there's a past and story no one has heard about Bush that he won't talk about.
On the whole, it's an old fashioned, charming tale that definitely has its more dark and dramatic moments. It unfolds at a steady pace and Duvall's character holds everything up. Murray, Black, and Sissy Spacek do their parts well and are enjoyable to watch, but Duvall's performance is the spotlight. Part of the reason why is because this is probably the last or one of the very last starring roles he'll do. He's almost 80 years old. I think he'll most likely get nominated for best actor this year because he did such a good job and to honor his career coming to an end soon enough.
Besides Duvall's part, it's this dark past of Felix's that mainly keeps the audience interested. I kept guessing at what it might be and wasn't quite right at the end (and I usually get many of these things right). And it didn't quite turn out as I expected. From the previews for "Get Low" I expected more comedy throughout which there is a bit of but it's definitely a drama. The ending and unveiling of the secret is sad, but it's fulfilling.
In the beginning Felix proposes putting on his own funeral by saying he wants to "get low", or be put in the ground, so to speak. But at the end, we realize his intentions transform into asking for forgiveness for what he'd done which is the true meaning the title. Because to take the initiative and admit what he'd done and ask to be forgiven really means you have to be humble and "get low". It's definitely one of those points in a movie where sentimental people will cry and movie buffs like myself recall all of Duvall's past performances.
In the end, "Get Low" does a good job of keeping the audience interested and entertained till the end with a story that is poignant and a welcome reprieve from the usual stuff Hollywood puts out. Most of this is thanks to Duvall, but a lot of the credit has to go to the heavy emphasis on forgiveness and what that means to others and oneself.
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