Nebraska (Alexander Payne, 2013): USA

Reviewed by Saloua Kehal. Viewed at AFI Fest.

John Payne’s new movie is funny. I rarely laugh that much in front of a movie. From the beginning to the end, I enjoyed it. the film was presented at the Afi fest 2013, I assisted to the Gala where Bruce Dern and the director John Payne were present.

The story is about an old man who’s name is Woody Grant. Woody receives a letter saying that he won a million, the letter is only an advertisement. However, Woody believes it, he strongly thinks that he won a million. The plot starts with Woody walking on a highway in the way to pick up his money in Nebraska. A cop stops him and take him back to his house.  His son David tries to convince him that it’s just an advertisement, but Woody do not listen. He is found again walking on the highway to go pick up his money. Then, David decides to take his father to go pick up the money, hoping that he will convince him in the way that it is not real. However, in the way they stop in the town where  Woody grew up. The noise about the fact that he won a million spreads and everyone believes it.

Woody is a old, strong headed character who likes to drink. I believe no one would have been better than Bruce Dern for the role. The film is entertaining and comic, I strongly recommend it. The only think is that I did not understand why the movie is in black and white. Even through it did not bother, I was wondering if the director has a specific intention.