Alexander Payne is known for combining deadpan humor in serious circumstances. For his latest film "Nebraska" Payne succeeds in telling an intimate film that is both funny and heartwarming.
Nebraska tells the story of Woody (Bruce Dern), an aging alcoholic, who makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son David (Will Forte) in order to claim a million dollar mega sweepstakes marketing prize.
The film studies old age and its hardships; Woody believes everything they tell him and creates a fantasy about the million dollars he won. Despite his family's efforts to rid him of the fantasy, Woody does not listen. He is insistent on the journey to Nebraska. During his trip he makes a stop in his hometown Hawthorne where his friends and family show their true side. He becomes a celebrity when it is revealed that he won and people start taking advantage of the old man. His old business partner Ed Pegram (Stacy Keach) threatens him while his nephews try to swindle him into giving them money.
Dern succeeds in combining comedic moments with an overall tragic portrayal. Woody is a decrepit old man who has trouble hearing and walking. His appearance is always unkempt with his hair consistently uncombed; he also has an increasingly growing beard. Dern's facial expression are generally tame in how much they reveal, but there are moments when the characters fades off into some other dimension; his face is almost lifeless. In these moments, the viewer feels a tremendous amount of compassion for the character as Payne and Dern have no qualms about confronting them with his deteriorating condition and what is to come. Fortunately, the performer manages to combine these moments with light-hearted interactions with his family. One poignant scene features Woody telling David how he was forced into marriage with Kate (June Squibb) and essentially never cared about being a father. While it is a heartbreaking moment for David, Woody's nonchalant way of communicating with his son makes for a funny moment. Another strong scene showcases Woody inviting his son for a drink. David refuses the drink but Woody tells his son to "be someone." Woody's comments are delivered with charm but the implications are greater for the character as he is unable to see the harm he is doing to himself as he maintains his alcoholic behavior.
Forte also gives a wonderful performance as David. At the beginning of the film the character is somewhat embarrassed of his father. He constantly tells Woody how wrong he is and refuses to help his dad go to Nebraska. In his first scene when he picks up his father, Forte's face shows some shame and worry for his father's mental state. However the moment he decides to go on the trip there is an increasing shift in his persona. When Kate arrives in Hawthorne he stands up to his mother and tells her to let his dad live out his dreams. Forte's shameful and rejecting expression start to evolve into assertive responses.
Squibb's delivery as Kate is flawless. She has no filter and always says what's on her mind. When she returns to Hawthorne to reunite with Woody and David, she constantly bad mouths the townspeople as well as Woody's family. One of the most memorable moments in the film is when Kate asks David to go to the cemetery. Upon arriving Kate goes through each one of the tombs of Woody's family members and trashes them nonchalantly. It is a moment of pure sincerity that is simultaneously hilarious. When she is first introduced she criticizes Woody for having a fantasy of being a millionaire. It is laugh-out-loud sequence but it also explains the way their marriage has been.
The rest of the cast is exceptional, especially Stacy Keach (Pegram) who is conniving and threatening. There is always something brimming beneath the surface with this character and he increasingly becomes one that audiences will love to hate.
Payne's stylistic choice to shoot in black and white gives the film an old fashioned look reminiscent of the films and TV shows of the 60s. The use of long takes and wide shots also creates an austere tone that helps to make the comedic moments even more effective. Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael also uses the long shots to emphasize Payne's trademark painterly landscapes.
The score by Mark Orton combines folk music rhythms with Midwestern colors. The use of the guitar and horns gives the music a corky and ironic tone.
Overall Payne's film is a charming movie that is enhanced by the strong cast's performances. "Nebraska" is by far one of the best of the year and one that will be resonate with audiences.
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