This is David's true masterwork.

A simple, "straight" story only on the most superficial level; it is a hidden meditation and a lesson about the trials and tribulations of the human condition in the context of eternity.

He and/or the writers must have seen the deep story within Alvin's journey to see his brother. The photographic compositions, the soundtrack, and the dialogue create a whole work of art.

Underwhelmed by the ending when I first saw it in the theater, I can see that Lyle's wordless realization, their looking skyward in unison, and the fade to traveling through a starry night sky is really the only way to end it. Nothing more needs to be said. Either you get it, or you don't.

And the final frame, the film's title against that starry sky, let's you know that it has a dual meaning: Yes, it is The Straight Story about Alvin Straight, and it is the straight story about life on this earth.