Cinema Feed #13: Nebraska (2013)

I was initially attracted by the movie poster of Nebraska (2013), but my anticipation transformed into hesitation when I learnt that it was a road movie. This genre is always less appealing to me due to their frequent association with the American inner state culture that I am unfamiliar with. That makes me find them dull and boring. Nevertheless, my curiosity was the driving trigger that made me take the initiative. And yes, I was bored with its monologue pacing but overwhelmed with its sophisticated depiction of family relations.

Trailer:


Directed by Alexander Payne, Nebraska (2013) is a story set at his home state. It begins with Woody Grant (Starring Bruce Dern), an ageing old man who seemed to have pre-dementia syndrome, was stopped by a policeman while walking on a highway. Later on, we find out that Woody stubbornly believed he as a million dollar winner. Despite his son, David (Starring Will Forte) had told him that the winning notice was a typical marketing gimmick from magazine distributors. Insisting to claim his prize, David and Woody set off on a road trip from Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska.

Kinship is the focus of Nebraska (2013) and Payne has it demonstrated in its most realistic phase that connected us tightly with genuine emotions. Woody was the typical father who does not know how to bond with his kids. On the other hand, Kate (Starring June Squibb) was the nagging mother who always whines about her companion and other surrounding matters. Still, with all the complaints, she would never leave her spouse regardless of any circumstances. This partnership seems to be a fixed formula that exists in many of our families.

The black and white mode was an initial allusion to Woody's distant family, but eventually became a juxtaposition when their bonds become firmly attached. In particular, the unseen distance between Woody and David at the beginning of the road trip, transformed into unspoken love that was so realistic and heartwarming. Nebraska (2013) reviews our family relations in detail. It makes us reflect on the distance between parents and their children that most of us might have neglected or ignored. In another word, we may have take this relation for granted. Try questioning yourself of your understanding towards your parents or your siblings. Do you feel like you know nothing about them? It might be time to make a move!