Knowing the heartbreaking background first is what makes this movie experience extraordinary.
The movie "Lucky," was officially released September 29, 2017 and was about a man (Harry Dean Stanton) in his 90s just waiting to die, but also scared to death of it. That star's real-life fears would come true before this was officially released. According to his friend, Stanton knew this was his final major performance and he very much was the character in this movie. This was his love-letter, send-off movie addressed to Life.
So, while watching this fictional movie, I kept thinking: How much fiction is this?
It helps I love desert-based, small-town movies and this one was perfect for that setting. You will get to know the entire town - even parts you don't see and practically all of its residents. Lucky lives alone, is in his 90s, does yoga and walks a lot to "stay in shape," and smokes like a chimney. Of course, the joke is "Those Things Will Kill Yah!" and he knows that. He always knows he made it to his 90s.
Along for the ride are thoroughly interesting townsfolk who genuinely care for their neighbor, Lucky. We'll follow his daily routines to the café, convenience store and bar. Not to mention, his shows and crossword puzzles. We'll hear about his life, philosophies and moods in short-spoken sentences. Watching him react and waiting to hear/see his response to any of his friends was such a joy.
But mostly this is heartwarming tale of a man doing his absolute best to stand and face the Grim Reaper he knows is coming. Is he as ready as he says he is?
Though I am not "that old," from my own life experiences, I understood him 100%. I probably shouldn't be thinking as much about this as he did at my age, but that doesn't stop the reality sinking in, more and more, each day.
Honestly, I'd be so lucky to end up like him. Living in a small town, with a group of friends within walking distance, a permanent roof over my head and enough money saved to afford a pack of cigarettes every day, even though I've already quit smoking.
I loved this movie. It's purposely slow-paced, yet never feels that way. Stanton, through brilliant acting, keeps the tension up with how invested we are with him and that makes this flow very nicely. I love how it's shot, the actors all seem real and by the end of the movie, you'll know how it feels to live in an isolated desert town. Highly recommended.
Plus, to top it all off, there's a wonderful reunion that may seem Alien to this movie, but DAMN. It's probably the best scene in the movie. At first, it's a delight to see them together again and as it winds down, you're moved beyond what you thought possible.
***
Final Thoughts: My mother passed away just about 2½ years ago. I was raised to believe in the After Life, but when she passed on...one of my very first thoughts were: Maybe we just fade away into blackness. Nothingness. And then, I had my own near-death experience, as recently as earlier this year when I blacked out due to kidney failure on a Saturday evening and woke up in an ICU that following Friday having zero recollection of that week. Well, I may not have been dead - per the doctors I was 86% dead. When I blacked out, I was alone and my father found me 3 days later and had me taken to the hospital. Had he waited or couldn't find me, surely, I would've have woken up.
Again, probably not technically dead, but I didn't see any "light at the end of the tunnel." It was just nothingness from Saturday Evening till Friday Afternoon. So, I see Lucky's POV.
The movie "Lucky," was officially released September 29, 2017 and was about a man (Harry Dean Stanton) in his 90s just waiting to die, but also scared to death of it. That star's real-life fears would come true before this was officially released. According to his friend, Stanton knew this was his final major performance and he very much was the character in this movie. This was his love-letter, send-off movie addressed to Life.
So, while watching this fictional movie, I kept thinking: How much fiction is this?
It helps I love desert-based, small-town movies and this one was perfect for that setting. You will get to know the entire town - even parts you don't see and practically all of its residents. Lucky lives alone, is in his 90s, does yoga and walks a lot to "stay in shape," and smokes like a chimney. Of course, the joke is "Those Things Will Kill Yah!" and he knows that. He always knows he made it to his 90s.
Along for the ride are thoroughly interesting townsfolk who genuinely care for their neighbor, Lucky. We'll follow his daily routines to the café, convenience store and bar. Not to mention, his shows and crossword puzzles. We'll hear about his life, philosophies and moods in short-spoken sentences. Watching him react and waiting to hear/see his response to any of his friends was such a joy.
But mostly this is heartwarming tale of a man doing his absolute best to stand and face the Grim Reaper he knows is coming. Is he as ready as he says he is?
Though I am not "that old," from my own life experiences, I understood him 100%. I probably shouldn't be thinking as much about this as he did at my age, but that doesn't stop the reality sinking in, more and more, each day.
Honestly, I'd be so lucky to end up like him. Living in a small town, with a group of friends within walking distance, a permanent roof over my head and enough money saved to afford a pack of cigarettes every day, even though I've already quit smoking.
I loved this movie. It's purposely slow-paced, yet never feels that way. Stanton, through brilliant acting, keeps the tension up with how invested we are with him and that makes this flow very nicely. I love how it's shot, the actors all seem real and by the end of the movie, you'll know how it feels to live in an isolated desert town. Highly recommended.
Plus, to top it all off, there's a wonderful reunion that may seem Alien to this movie, but DAMN. It's probably the best scene in the movie. At first, it's a delight to see them together again and as it winds down, you're moved beyond what you thought possible.
***
Final Thoughts: My mother passed away just about 2½ years ago. I was raised to believe in the After Life, but when she passed on...one of my very first thoughts were: Maybe we just fade away into blackness. Nothingness. And then, I had my own near-death experience, as recently as earlier this year when I blacked out due to kidney failure on a Saturday evening and woke up in an ICU that following Friday having zero recollection of that week. Well, I may not have been dead - per the doctors I was 86% dead. When I blacked out, I was alone and my father found me 3 days later and had me taken to the hospital. Had he waited or couldn't find me, surely, I would've have woken up.
Again, probably not technically dead, but I didn't see any "light at the end of the tunnel." It was just nothingness from Saturday Evening till Friday Afternoon. So, I see Lucky's POV.