Nebraska (Alexander Payne, 2013): U.S.A

Reviewed by Andres Cruz. Viewed at the AFI Fest 2013.

Perhaps, one of the best films that I watched in the AFI Film Festival. “Nebraska” a film written by Bob Nelson and directed by Alexander Payne is a dramatic story combined with comedy, a lot of comedy. It is very interesting and it is definitely a worth watching movie. Very entertaining and at the same time it gives us a wonderful message and an appreciation of life.

I saw the premiere of this film at the TCL Chinese Theater in the AFI Film Festival. The director Alexander Payne was there as well as the main character of the film, Bruce Dern. The acting is incredible and what really stands out, is the dialogue. Funny, captivated and with message in it, this dialogue make the film totally interesting combined also with the performances of the actors.

Woody (Bruce Dern) an old man that is close to his final years of life got a letter that tells that he won one million dollars. He lives in Montana, but the price have to be claimed in Nebraska. So woody and his son David Grant (Will Forte) begin an adventure traveling from Montana to Nebraska.

The acting is really good. Bruce Dern is totally well-shaped in his role, you can feel his character by watching his expressions and attitudes. An old and grumpy man whose only wish is to win one million dollars. Will Forte’s performance is outstanding too, he totally supports the other character and also he completes and shapes the story by his “David Grant” character, a young and comprehensive man that only wants to tolerate, help and to please his old dad. the music is totally linked with the film, so it gives us that sense of travel, adventure and the road. The editing has a good rhythm and pacing, with many cross dissolves and wonderful establishing and landscaping shots.

Alexander Payne is well-recognized by his films “The descendants” (2011), “Sideways” (2004) and many others. He is very inspiring and all his movies have a message behind the acting, the dialogue and the entire movie as a complement. Bruce Dern loves his character and he also brings all his experience in acting for this special character that is “Woody Grant”.

I totally love this movie, and like I said, it was one of the best movies that I watched at the AFI Film Festival. It is a movie that all the audiences should watch. It has a message, a wonderful performance and a professional direction by Mr. Payne.