Nebraska (Alexander Payne, 2013): USA

Reviewed by Belen Nevarez. Viewed at AFI Film Festival 2013.

Nebraska, a comedic black and white film directed by Alexander Payne, tells a story worth watching. Bruce Dern stars as Woody Grant, a old, stubborn, and confused man who receives a letter in the mail that he has won one million dollars in the lottery. Though the letter is recognized by his caring son David Grant (played by Will Forte) that its a scam, Woody is set on traveling to go pick up his win. With the family trying to change his mind, they decide to take him to “pick up” so he can face reality himself. We go along with them through the journey of father and son bonding, family troubles, small town gossip, and making decisions.

The choice of having the movie in black in white rather than in color, even though it is set in the year 2013, is visually refreshing and seems like it can be a classic. Though no added on music to film like others, it still brings the emotions by the use of half- lit scenery, choice of blocking, and the relationship between the unique characters. You want to wish that you were sitting in the backseat of the car to be apart of the road trip watching the older generation of the town pass by to comment on Woody’s win.  At the same time, viewing the almost empty lands and small towns that play into the story very well.

This film had me in tears from the laughs from the character’s actions and jokes said. Though there are moments where you do feel for Woody, as we learn more about him and understand what goes on in his head, it is a can not miss film. It is a definite yes to recommend!