There are movies that give you the spirit of adventure, there are movies that make you cry that for the beautiful spirit of romance, there are movies that make you fall out of your seat with laughter. But every so often, a movie will come along that rings so true, that it moves you almost to tears. For me, it was the touching tale of Nebraska.
Woody Grant is an elderly man with Alzheimer's who receives a magazine offer in the mail which claims that he has won one million dollars. Not realizing it is a scam, Woody repeatedly attempts to walk from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska in order to claim his prize. Coming to terms with the fact that his father just doesn't understand that it isn't real, Woody's son David agrees to drive him to Lincoln in order to put Woody's journey to rest. Along the way, David tries to find some connection to his father, and they return to Woody's home town of Hawthorne where his family and friends all congratulate him on his winnings and try to get a taste.
What really moved me about this movie was the true to life human interaction. The way the characters interact and deal with each others stubbornness. The awkward silences created during the family reunion scenes are undeniably real. They want to talk to each other, but they all have no idea what they want to say. I guarantee that every person reading this has gone through it at some point or another in their lives. It's undeniably real and poignant.
The cantankerous stubbornness in the characters is also something that also brings about tender feelings. It creates significant moments of humor that transcend the bounds of the silver screen. It was so warm and touching to feel something so close to life. They are all so aggressively stubborn and self entitled to their own opinions that they refuse to accept each other's. But when push comes to shove, the main family all cares for one another, and thats the truest feeling of all.
The unique visual distinction is also remarkable. The film is unconventionally presented in black and white, despite it's modern setting. I couldn't quite figure out the reasoning behind doing such a thing, but it's a lovely change of pace. It makes the landscapes stand out in a way that makes it a much more homely picture about returning to ones roots and human connection. The musical score is also simplistic yet fitting, as it is a simple movie. The instruments are very distinct and more prevalent then in elsewhere.
The lead performance of Bruce Dern as Woody Grant is rather simplistic yet nuanced. He is so stubborn towards his goal, and so misanthropic that he wants nothing to do with anyone until he gets his reward. The small movements, the facial expressions, the way he walks is so true to life of a man with only the vaguest idea of what is going on in his life, yet for what he does know, he is unrelenting. Despite this, deep down, he cares for his family whether he shows it or not. Bruce Dern will most likely be nominated for a Best Actor Oscar, and if he wins, he would have earned it.
As I have said in previous reviews, one of my favorite phenomenons is when comedians take on dramatic material and excel above and beyond. Will Forte, a man known primarily for his work on Saturday Night Live, and as Jenna Maroney's cross dressing boyfriend Paul on 30 Rock, does absolutely spectacular as Woody's son David. He is calm, yet frustrated with the stubbornness of his father, yet he does what he has to do. Forte creates yet another true to life character that pops off the screen, as a man bound by familial duty. The subtle nuances of his character in which he wants to connect to his father are remarkable, yet he also creates a sense of defending his fathers honor. I would love to see him in more roles such as this.
June Squibb stars as Woody's long suffering wife who wishes he would come to his senses. Another absolutely magnificent portrait of reality. She mocks her husband, she is candid (overly so) with her son, she gossips about everyone, but when it matters most, no one talks down her family but her.
Bob Odenkirk also turns in a wonderful performance as David's brother Ross which does not go follow any expectations given his previous work. It would be easy to believe that Bob would simply play another Saul Goodman who takes nothing too seriously, which to his credit, he does better than most. But Bob plays a marvelous character who despite not being the center of attention, also wants what is best for his family. His character is pure, with a genuine sense of bond with his brother and his father.
I would absolutely suggest this movie to anyone. It is the most endearing portrait of family life i've seen in some time, with a sense of realism and warmth to it that is completely refreshing.
A
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