Lucky (2017)

Lucky is one of the best cinematic reflections on the end of a long life I have ever seen. Not only does Harry Dean Stanton give a career topping performance in his final role, but first time director John Carroll Lynch (an actor you'd remember as Francis McDormand's ever caring husband in Fargo) films it with an eye for finding the beautify in the worn down, dried out, sun burnt desert and faces of the cast. Lucky is the word to describe those who see this film.

Lucky is a series of conversations between folks wrestling with the day to day, and many with the end of their days. Stanton's Lucky is a man who knows his time is almost up and is struggling with being generally satisfied, pressured to be wanting more even if he doesn't, and confused about how to feel as he approaches what he believes to be oblivion. It's fascinating to watch him, his gaunt and meticulous face, and he goes forth, managing the relationships around him.

There are a number of moments that had me transfixed. From his discussion about how his own homophobia kept him from appreciating fully the genius of Liberace, to his friend's loss of his tortoise companion, to his moments alone, living fully as he wishes. Lucky will surprise you in just how compelling every small moment is. Lynch (no relation to the other Lynch director who happens to costar in this film) shows an amazing talent which makes me want to see whatever he does next.

I am sure most film actors wish they could have such a movie to end their careers on. As Stanton walks off into the sunset at the end of the film, I couldn't be happier for him and getting to experience this wonderful piece of work.

Lucky
Starring: Harry Dean Stanton, Beth Grant, David Lynch, Ron Livingston, Ed Begley Jr., Tom Skerritt
Director: David Carroll Lynch
Writers: Logan Sparks, Drago Sumanja