Nebraska Review

Million Dollar Grand-dad 

Released : December 6th 2013

Certificate : 15

Director : Alexander Payne

Cast : Will Forte, Bruce Dern, Stacy Keach, June Squibb

Plot : Believing he has won $1 million in a online lottery, an elderly Montana pensioner Woody Grant (Dern) decides to go on foot to Nebraska to revive his supposed winnings. Compelled by his persistence and total belief Woody’s son David (Forte) is forced to drive is father to Nebraska.

This was yet another moving and thought and thought provoking instalments from Alexander Payne, who seems to effortlessly produce picture that are inclined to make us stop and think before we get up from the seat in the cinema and walk away. And his latest venture with Nebraska, while may prove slower to watch, and has to be said does not provided many thrills (apart from an old lady telling her family to go and fu*k themselves, have no choice but to love June Squibb), the devil is in the details. I marvel at how Alexander Payne can look at life and project it onto our screens with such a harsh truthfulness. And with Nebraska the effects of which are uplifting in parts, but maybe prove to be too much for what some to consider an entertainment motion picture.

Nebraska is by far Payne richest story so far, with relatable characters shown through Oscar worthy performances, and a very potent decision to produce in black and white.  The most notable performance of which is Bruce Dern , who deservedly revived his nomination for the  Best Actor Oscar. His portal of Woody Grant, is both believable and mesmerising, his frantic desperation of the wealth over weighing his relational mind is beautifully executed, and lead to an almost unbearably truthful ending.

He is supported by brilliant supporting performances from the like of June Squibb who stars very much as the comic relief of the film. With an overly animated character, in scenes almost being seen as a cartoon of a grumpy old woman, is a welcome splash of colour to the film. And also from the main supporting role of Woody’s son played by Will Forte, his kindness and protection of his father proves to be  moving in parts. All brought together to make a utterly compelling cast, who are a joy to watch, even if the film isn’t. Payne again easily manges to search out the depth of our conditions and means. And presentment them to us in a story that is metaphoric and majestic.

Verdict : $1 million dollars, worth ever penny.

Verdict : 5/5

Quote : “I never even knew the son of a bitch wanted to be a millionaire”