Like so many movie-lovers around the world, we were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of filmmaker David Lynch, whose contribution to arts and culture is immeasurable. His monumentally beloved catalogue is its own impressive, cinematic legacy rich with old friends and oddball characters who make regular visits upon our silver screen. In the wake of his passing, there is no better way for us to pay tribute to his enigmatic career than by raising a glass, dimming the lights, and firing up the projector in his honour with a selection of some of his best loved works on the big screen, as he undoubtedly intended.

Perhaps due to its relative narrative simplicity and conventional approach to humble storytelling, THE STRAIGHT STORY may be David Lynch‘s most overlooked film, despite its relative commercial success when it was released in 1999. The late, great Richard Farnsworth (beloved by Canadians for his performances in both THE GREY FOX and as Matthew Cuthbert in the iconic CBC series ‘Anne of Green Gables‘) stars as a Alvin Straight, a retired farmer and widower in his 70s who learns one day that his distant brother Lyle has suffered a stroke and may not recover. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver’s license. Then he hits on the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey. With Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton.

“It’s intriguing to watch the Lynch of ‘Blue Velvet’ and ‘Lost Highway’ feel his way toward a less wounding surrealism — into images that have power to hurt and will do none.” (The New Yorker)

“When the movie’s end arrives, it’s a scene of cosmic beauty, accompanied by Angelo Badalamenti’s ethereal score—pure cinematic liftoff, a triumph of writing, direction, acting, casting, all the things that make a movie take flight.” (Slate)

“… An elegiac portrait of a fading American heartland wrapped around a tear-jerking depiction of a man reflecting on his life losses with regret and resignation.” (Times UK)

“With his sweet, lyrical masterpiece… David Lynch frees himself from the heavy irony and noir affectations of his last few films, discovering the pure, mythical slice of Americana previously confined to Agent Cooper’s coffee and donuts in ‘Twin Peaks.'” (AV Club)

“Richard Farnsworth’s easy, twinkle eyed charm is a winner all the way, but it’s finally the film’s deceptive simplicity and unabashed warmth that make it one of Lynch’s most artistically and emotionally satisfying movies.” (Variety)

Wednesday, April 9
Doors 5:45 pm | Movie  6:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

THE STRAIGHT STORY (David Lynch, 1999 / 112 mins / G) Alvin Straight, a 73-year-old, learns that his estranged brother, Lyle is critically ill. Unable to drive, Alvin embarks on a journey from Iowa to Mt. Zion, by riding a lawn mower. Will he succeed?

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.