Nebraska (2013)

Director Alexander Payne’s previous movie, The Descendants was one of my favorite films of 2012. It starred George Clooney, was set in Hawaii and was about family issues. Although Nebraska also deals with family issues the comparisons end there as this movie is far removed from The Descendants. Instead of a tropical and colorful setting the imagery here is in a bleak black and white. The movie also doesn’t star actors who the average movie going public will know. It is a different beast, but one that is just as interesting.

The movie opens with Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) seeming to walk aimlessly on the highway. We soon find out that he has a goal: he has received a letter from Mega Sweepstakes Marketing saying that he has won millions and he wants to head there to claim it. His wife (June Squibb) no longer thinks her husband is thinking clear and asks her sons for help. One of the sons, David (Will Forte), tries to talk his father out of it, but in the end gives in. The two go on a road trip to see if there really is a prize. On their way they make a stop in the town where David’s parents grew up, which results in some unexpected situations because Woody is telling everyone he is going to be rich.

This is one of those movies that really manages (with a little bit of humour now and then) to portray what happens when people spend a bit more time together. Things which you normally do not speak about and are slightly below the surface start to bubble up. Here David and his father discuss issues of their past end because of that learn to know each other better. Bruce Dern and Will Forte are a joy to watch, but the real standout is June Squibb who is responsible for some of the funniest moments. Her character is someone who says what she thinks and who does not hold back.
The choice to make this movie in black and white is a bold one, but it pays off. The stark contrast adds a lot to what is happening story wise and I think it would be a bit less powerful if it was all in color. For some this movie might be a bit too long at 115 minutes, but I quite enjoyed it.