Nebraska

Alexander Payne (The Descendants) is the director behind the dark comedy of Nebraska, which he chose to release in black and white.  Starring Bruce Dern and Will Forte, it’s a film that has quickly found it’s way in the critics favourite category, with it having been nominated for the Palme D’Or at Cannes, where Bruce Dern also picked up best actor.  As always this means there is a question mark hanging over it as to whether it will translate it’s success to the general public.

The film follows Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) who believes he has struck it rich after receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail.  After several interrupted attempts to walk to Lincoln, Nebraska (he is currently living in Billings, Montana) where he believes his fortune lies, his son David (Will Forte) relents and agrees to cross the country with his dad, despite being well aware that there is no million dollars at the end of this particular rainbow.  However, on the way across the country they find themselves waylaid in Woody’s childhood town where David begins to discover there is a lot more to the cantankerous old man he has previously only known as his father.

It’s a simple premise that in many ways never really gets anywhere, there is no big set pieces or dramatic moments here.  Rather we have a reflection on the life of a man who has hit that point in his life where the world becomes a bit confusing. It’s because of this that the world works well in black and white.  It’s bleak and it’s depressing and it shows up these little towns as being exactly what they are, stuck in the past and never really able to let it go.  While the character of Woody is masterfully portrayed by Bruce Dern, who will deserve every accolade he gets.  Anyone who has gone through similar circumstances with their own family will recognise the wide eyed stare into the distance as the world passes him by, followed by spurts of activity as he suddenly gets his mind set on doing something.  It’s often as tragic as it is funny.

Meanwhile June Squibb’s portrayal of Kate Grant, Woody’s wife, is nearly just as fantastic, with her getting that fire cracker,  likely to fly off the wall and berate her poor husband at any point personality perfect.  However, what really adds the icing on the cake is that you get the impression that no matter what names she is calling him she genuinely loves him.  Whether it be the little looks or brief flickers of affection it’s enough for Squibb to get across that there is a real bond between Kate and Woody and it’s a bond that makes this world, where everyone and their dog is trying to take advantage of Woody, a little bit easier to live in.

Nebraska is much more than an arty critics film.  It’s a genuinely touching reflection on a man who tried his best and just couldn’t say no to those around him.  It’s unlikely to make you laugh out loud with it’s very bleak sense of humour but you will constantly smile.  While the ending will most likely make you want to walk out and call your dad.  All in all if you are looking for something a bit more intelligent and expertly crafted over this year’s festive season, you could do a lot worse than Nebraska.