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Get Low
User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 45
  3. Negative: 6 out of 45

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  1. Shiira
    Sep 16, 2010
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Get Low" isn't the first time that Robert Duvall has played a hermit. There was "Sling Blade", of course, with Duvall playing a cuckolded husband who suddenly became a widower after his retarded son used a sling blade, "some call it a kaiser blade", on his incontinent wife, Karl Childers' mother, half a lifetime ago, and transmuted into a lonely, old geezer; a recluse, waiting to die. Duvall also played the hermit as a young man in Joseph Anthony's rarely-seen "Tomorrow"(based on a rarely anthologized William Faulkner short story from a novel of linked stories called "Knight's Gambit"), a hermit named Jackson Fentry, a cotton farmer whose monosyllabilism and maladroit consuetude toward the enceinted woman he courts, then weds, is unrelenting from start to finish. Duvall never betrays Jackson's history of societal isolation by being normal; the pre-"Godfather", that is to say, the pre-iconic actor never breaks character for the sake of a more accessible film. Reported to be the septuagenarian artist's favorite role, Jackson Fentry lingers in his aloof state because "Tomorrow" is steadfastly realistic about human nature; it knows that people don't change their stripes overnight, like in the movies, like in "Get Low". Felix Bush, Duvall's latest hermit, to be sure, is an eccentric, but he doesn't exhibit the tell-tale signs of a man in exile; he's too congenial, too chatty, attributes not at all in alignment with a penitent man, a tortured man who castigated himself for the great fire that consumed the great love of his life, when he interacts with the townsfolk(some of whom he'd been out of touch with for over forty years) with the same ease and familiarity as his horse. A carpenter by trade, Felix had erected a grand cathedral of wood with his own bare hands; a church that's still standing, a black church(echoing Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury", "Light in August", among others) presided over by the same black minister, Charlie Jackson(Bill Cobbs), who asks his old friend if he made peace with God. No, he hasn't. That's the reason behind Felix's disappearing act, the conversation with his maker which never transpired, hence, the unremitting cold shoulder he imparted to everybody in both heaven and earth, including himself. In "Tomorrow", Duvall managed to adumbrate his natural born charisma just so, in order to make Jackson Fentry lovable in his unlovableness. The cotton farmer is taciturn, to say the least. That's not the case here. Duvall's performance is calibrated to entertain you, not pain you; his wintry flirtation with Mattie(Sissy Spacek) and camaraderie with the guys back at the funeral home(Bill Murray and Lucas Black), despite being sturdily acted by all parties concerned, strikes a false note. "Get Low" extemporaneously accentuates this bum note when Frank Quinn(Murray, in his most dramatic role since "The Razor's Edge") is dumbfounded by how articulate his client can be(regarding the money that people send in for Felix's funeral party), curiously so, unlike Jackson Fentry(who provided the template for Karl Childers in Billy Bob Thornton's directorial debut), a maladjusted hick, perhaps, suffering from some degree of mental retardation himself, who wouldn't have gotten a word in edgewise with the slick funeral home director. Felix seems too amiable, and that's why "Get Low" fails on some level, an Aristotelian one, since Duvall is just being Duvall, hamming it up, instead of imitating the lost soul that Felix pertains to be.… Expand
  2. kabloom
    Sep 3, 2010
    3
    Lots of Acting, Acting Acting. All all for naught. There's a mystery that we're teased with but when it's finally revealed the audience feels a "we sat through all that for that lame reveal!" Also, there's little pacing, the tempo of the film is completely flatlined. Well shot, well acted but adding up to a big waste of everyone's talents.
  3. lancekoz
    Jun 16, 2011
    10
    Stunning photography, fine, understated performances for a brilliantly subtle and credible story. Stunning photography and lighting. And some should not speak for the whole audience, I am sure many don't feel they wasted time waiting for "the lame reveal." I thought it was a fine wrap up, but the journey is so lovely, it hardly matters by then. My only complaint is an unnecessarily long sidetrip regarding the old preacher friend. It could've been done quicker and the movie would've been stronger by losing ten minutes or so. Absolutely authentic sets, lighting, costumes, and accents. Did I mention the stunning photography?… Expand
  4. BrookeH.
    Jul 30, 2010
    10
    Very affecting movie. It will be impossible to forget Robert Duvall's performance.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. BHBarry
    Aug 12, 2010
    10
    “Get Low” is a film based in part on the true story of a hermit in the early 30’s played by Robert Duvall who, together with Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek and Lucas Black, tries to give more meaning to this story than it really contains. Written by C. Gaby Mitchell, Chris Provenzo and Scott Seeke and directed by Aaron Schneider, the film is slow, dull and more a vehicle for the talents of Mr. Duvall than it is for the enjoyment of the viewing audience. Like a salmon going against the surging water, I am in the minority of those who saw and write about this film where the critics apparently got much more from it than I did. Somewhat convoluted and confusing in its presentation, the tale it tells is bland and contains many inconsistencies. One can understand why Mr. Duvall, who also serves as one of the executive producers, sought to act in and make this film since it gives him an opportunity to expose his significant talents as an actor and that, only that, represents the value to the movie. Although at times you get the feeling that the performance is more show than sincerity, Mr. Duvall does hold the film together but, unfortunately, the glue is not strong enough. I give this film 2 stars with a warning that it will probably be right up there with the slowest 100 minutes you will every experience.… Expand
  6. topherking88
    Aug 20, 2010
    9
    Best movie I have seen this year by far. And, yes, that includes Inception, which I hated. Bill Murray and Robert Duvall play, possibly, their best roles ever.
  7. TheBenny
    Aug 29, 2010
    10
    A spectacular, dark and funny film, with rich performances, and beautiful visuals. What more could one ask for in a film? Robert Duvall delivers one of his most compelling performances, and Bill Murray has another briliant arthouse film in his Filmography. The director, despite being a freshman, carries out a very specific, and stylistic vision, which i hope he retains in future films.
  8. GOUGH
    Sep 17, 2010
    10
    I bought it. Made me cry. Made me laugh. And it was "true". Sure, there was a microphone cable, sure, the actor was and wasn't there in the background in one shot. So what? Was that what I was looking at and thinking about? I enjoyed what they enjoyed, making a movie together. Wonderful experience.
  9. itzashorething
    Sep 6, 2010
    9
    Yesterday I saw "Inception" and afterwards posted a review on this web site. My score for the film is not as important (I gave it an "8") as the fact that the film had an overall User Score of 8.4 with comments like "the best movie I have ever seen" and "a total mind f**k"" while "Get Low" has a score of only 7.7. While I enjoyed "Inception" (I invite you to check out my review to see why), my evaluation was based on the things that, to me, make a movie noteworthy and having my mind f**ked over by an incredulous, hard to follow story and state of the art visual effects are not on the list. "Get Low", on the other hand, has the things I look for in a film such as a interesting story about 3-dimensional believable characters that I care about with actors portraying them in memorable performances. It also has heart. I realize that "Inception" is a film that appeals to a wider, and certainly younger, audience demographic than "Get Low", but this is unfortunate. Come Academy Awards time, "Inception" is certain to be nominated (and even win) for the gimmicks it provides audiences in its tricky story, inventive direction and awesome special effects, but "Get Low" will get its nods as well, not for being the movie flavor of the year, but rather a well made film of a story with humanity. Thanks to Director Aaron Schneider, Writer Chris Provenzano, Actors Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray, Lucas Black et al. for a wonderfully inspiring and captivating film. While there is a need for films like "Inception" in the art of film making, hopefully there will always be a place for movies like "Get Low" as well.… Expand
  10. plucky42j
    Sep 19, 2010
    8
    This is a great movie. Every actor is right on their game, the story is gripping and the atmospherics are pitch perfect. Bill Murray never disappoints! Younger viewers might not appreciate the methodical unfolding of plot, development of characters and establishment of the setting, but there are some gunshots and other action treats for the millenial crowd.
  11. egovirus
    May 15, 2011
    7
    Not what I thought it would be, but that's okay. This is a performance driven film that is so crammed full of talent it's crazy. The element that immediately sticks out for me is the wonderful photography throughout, but that's my obsession. I would probably have to watch this movie again, now that I have come to grips with what this film is not, to feel the full effect of it. The plot is elegantly simple, and the script is reserved, and allows the performers to blow our socks off. There is room for improvement no doubt, but it is difficult to know where and how those improvements could be employed without doing harm to the charms this film does possess. I would have been nice if the party had been more fun. That would have been the pay off for all the water the viewer must carry in this film, and would have definitely endeared us more to Robert Duval's impenetrable character. More of Bill Murray is ALWAYS a good thing too...… Expand
  12. TVJerry
    Oct 3, 2010
    8
    Robert Duvall is at his crustiest as a 40-year hermit who decides to throw a funeral party so he can hear what people have to say about him. Bill Murray turns in an amusing performance as the shifty funeral director and Sissy Spacek is sweet and touching as a woman from the past. The lighting is lovely throughout and the period styling is attractive. The solid performances, capable screenplay and quiet direction combine to make this an effective, but not particularly memorable character study.… Expand
  13. Folstar
    Mar 17, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A wonderful character driven tale featuring two of the best actors alive today. This movie would be a 10 all time great film if it were a few minutes shorter. What does that mean? The last scene in the movie is so awful that it is mind blowing. I would HIGHLY recommend anyone who has not seen this movie yet to stop the movie at the end of the scene where everyone rides away from Felix's in the hearse. The next, and final, scene of the movie will completely destroy the feel/emotional depth, subject you to terrible music (in a film with excellent music overall), and generally ruin everything. The clearly tacked on afterthought of a last scene is either some sort of joke or was added to prevent audiences from having to think on their own. I cannot stress this enough: DO NOT WATCH THE LAST SCENE. If I could unwatch that last scene "Get Low" would be, without a doubt, my favorite film of 2010.… Expand
  14. CharlotteP
    Apr 13, 2011
    5
    Robert Duvall is in majestic form as a backwoods recluse with a painful secret in this slight, but engaging film set in 1930s small town America. Bill Murray has a nice turn as a pragmatic funeral director and Lucas Black gleams with clean cut charm as his mustard-keen protege. It all ticks along nicely, but somehow leaves the impression of having petered out without leaving much behind it.
  15. STH
    May 19, 2011
    7
    As usual, Robert Duvall was great! Lucas Black, Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek were terrific as well.
  16. lickweed
    Jun 19, 2011
    0
    This has to be the worst movie I've seen in a long time - good actors yes, but it was like watching paint dry. First of all the trailer is completely deceiving ... it's not a comedy and even Bill Murray doesn't bring much humor (and I love Bill Murray). It a drama ... a very very slow drama. Painfully slow. Go ahead and lean of the fast forward button ... you won't miss a thing. Absolutely terrible!!… Expand
  17. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    6
    Great cast (Robert Duvall is awesome). Funny and interesting storyline up until the final act in which it nearly falls flat.
  18. heybuddymovies
    Aug 1, 2011
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Get Low may be perceived as an odd movie at first glance but it definitely is an interesting one. When you have two legends in one movie, Robert Duvall and Bill Murray, you should get a good movie and this is a good one. The way it strings the “what did this man do” throughout the movie until the final revelation is done well and the acting is beyond good. If I had one thing to say about what was missing, is was a little back-story on where the two funeral home characters came from and why they acted the way they did, because it seemed like each had more going on. Unfortunately we are just presented to these two characters without any understanding on why they act the way they do or what their motivations really come from. Felix Bush is a wood dwelling hermit and has been for over 40 years. Perhaps a little nuts, the local townfolks believe multiple stories about what he might have done in his past, each more interesting and outlandish than the next. It doesn’t seem to bother him though and it seems that nothing really does other than anyone who might trespass on his property. After a rough night where he believes himself to be at deaths door, he wakes up, very much alive and has an idea. He wants to throw a funeral party and hear all the stories that everyone has heard about him, or at least, that’s what he wants the two local funeral home workers (Bill Murray and Lucas Black) to think. Perhaps he wants to tell a story of his own. As these two funeral workers get to work making sure the party happens, they start to see there might be more to this man than mere gossipy stories. This is a well done movie with incredible acting by all involved and the look of the film is fantastic. I’m not a nature man, but Bush’s property looked comfy and welcoming. All the sets and locations were well done and really did put you back in that time or I assume that’s how it looked, you know, not having lived through it myself. After seeing Duvall, one of my favorite actors, turn in another great and heartfelt performance, it brought to my mind the question of why he was not nominated this year for this role. Bill Murray, also one of my favorites, does seem subdued in his role, but nevertheless does bring in a good performance as well and you do feel his need to mentor and connect with his employee played by Lucas Black. This could have been a great movie about repentance and seeking forgiveness, but I feel that it fell well short of those themes. The point comes where we hear what it is Bush had done to bring him to make himself a man separate from the community around him and it is heartbreaking even though it was very wrong. He had a love affair with a married woman, planning to run away with her at one point only to find that her husband has beaten her close to death because of it. In the ensuing battle between Bush and the jilted husband, the home they fight in goes up in flames killing both the husband and wife and leaving Bush truly scarred emotionally. But he tells a preacher and that preacher tells him what he must do to make it right, turn to God, the law and seek forgiveness from the sister of his now dead lover who he was pretending to date at the time. He refuses and instead puts himself in his own “jail” for the next 40 years. This all comes out before a large audience, including the sister at the end of the movie from Bush’s very lips. Here’s the problem, though he seems hurt and does ask the sister for forgiveness, it seems nothing more than just getting it off his chest. Is he hurt, oh yes, and we do feel the hurt through the screen thanks to Duvall, but it is because he lost his true love and lives with the shame of keeping it to himself, he never goes further than that. He seems stuck in the mindset of a works salvation, imposing his exile upon himself and cutting himself off from ever having a family or friends. Finally telling someone what really happened doesn’t show a true change in the heart, which is what was missing from this movie. It comes to nothing more than a “glad I got that off my chest” moment, touching though it may be. The character, in regards to how he views his place in God’s sight, is even heard muttering “I’m supposed to ask Jesus for forgiveness. Why, I never did nothing to him.” That one part tells a lot about the hard heartedness of this man, which I enjoyed seeing for its honesty in that moment. But it showed to me that the writers didn’t really understand what a true seeking of forgiveness is like, which is why I didn’t think it felt right at the end of the movie. There didn’t seem to be any repentance or want to repent more than just finally telling the sister what happened so he could die with a clear conscience. For me it was lacking and it made what could have been a great movie, just a good one.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: A.O. Scott
    80
    Though the story sometimes wanders into hazy, corny sentiment, its protagonist (called Felix Bush, which was apparently a nickname or alias of Breazeale's) is vivid, enigmatic and unpredictable.
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  2. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Anthony Lane
    80
    Get Low is deftly played, and it rarely mislays its ambling charm, but what a forbidding fable it could have been if the truth about Felix Bush, rather than emerging into sunlight, had slunk back into the woods.
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  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Steven Rea
    75
    The period details - the cars, the clothes, the old storefronts along Main Street - are attentively described. But it's Duvall, spooky, sly, and sad, who makes all the props and the plot twists seem real.
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