When asked how he is doing, Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) responds “I am.” It might not seem like it but this line speaks volumes about the overall impact of this film. It’s nothing you need, or even want to see, but it’ll have you asking yourself, “why not?” and rightfully so.

Felix Bush is a hermit, and he’s very good at it. People have no memories of him, just stories of the barbaric variety. One day he decides to head to town, leaving whiplashed necks in his wake. He wants a living funeral, which is exactly what it sounds like. When the local priest doesn’t think too highly of his intentions, funeral home assistant Buddy (Lucas Black) brings this news to his boss (Bill Murray), and they head out to Bush’s companionless cabin deep into the woods. As they market what becomes the event of the year for this small, boring town, certain facts start to see some light that could halt everything and shock everyone.

“Get Low” is Aaron Schneider’s first feature film and it shows. It seems like any director’s dream, having Bill Murray and Robert Duvall heading their first film. It’s almost like cheating on your SATs. Although, Schneider still failed. He was unable to benefit from Murray’s involvement in any concrete way, rendering his presence unnoticed. It’s not all bad however, Schneider starts the film off with a still shot of a burning farm, setting a suspenseful undertone that holds throughout the entire film.

Not to take credit away from any of the other actors, but without the performance of Robert Duvall, this film would be getting no recognition at all. Duvall brings an arcane vibe that doesn’t allow you to get caught up in all of Murray’s goofy banter for too long, thus setting up the seriousness behind this predominantly lighthearted story.

If you watch intently enough, you will see that “Get Low” is truly a character study about a man punishing himself for his sins – even if it’s not so obvious at first. How much you like it will ultimately come down to how high your expectations are. Personally, based on the quirky premise, talented cast and the charming trailer, my expectations were fairly high, and I left tolerably unfulfilled.