Opening Night screening - short review - NEBRASKA by Alexander Payne

Alexander Payne returns to his birthplace of Nebraska to once again capture its meditative quietness and examine the relationship between an ageing father and his son. This is the story of David, who takes his stubborn father, who believes he has won a million dollars to be collected in Lincoln, on a trip from Montana to Nebraska.

The performances are great. Will Forte’s sensibility affirms him as one of American cinema’s most talented newcomers while Bruce Dern gives the best performance career as the booze-addled and physically vulnerable Woody. The latter’s performance in particular conveys the great power of the film that constantly challenges its viewer with its contrast of the tragicomedy of real life.

The wonderful black and white photography evokes heavy feelings of nostalgia and melancholia whilst deepening the film’s poetic appeal through a subjective and intimate evaluation of the grey skies, the lonely diners, the empty taverns and the characteristic landscape of its setting. However, while it may be harrowing and poignant it is also laugh out loud funny as well as very entertaining and refreshingly optimistic.

It may not be Payne’s most compelling work but, while it is far from being obvious or clichéd, Nebraska may just be his most rewarding and universal crowd pleaser yet.