Nebraska (2013) Movie Review

Bruce Dern and Will Forte in Nebraska

Alexander Payne is a filmmaker of great prestige. He's made some of the best dramatic comedies or comedic dramas of the last 15 years. Whether it was the high energy Election, the ascension of aging in About Schmidt, a journey of self discovery and wine tasting in Sideways, or the melancholy heartache of loss in The Descendants, he's been able to traverse the human condition masterfully at every turn. This is what makes Nebraska a fine addition to this stable of films, and also, somewhat, of a disappointment.

Now let me preface this by saying that Nebraska is a wonderful film. It is superbly made, brilliantly acted, and hits all the right notes. But because of his past films, Nebraska comes across, to me, like a retread of past work. It centers on David (Will Forte) who works in an electronics department, and is just living his life one day at a time. His brother Ross (Bob Odenkirk) is a head anchor on the local news, and his mother Kate (June Squibb) is growing tired of the antics of her husband Woody (Bruce Dern), and wants to put him in a home. You see, Woody thinks he's won one million dollars, because he got a letter from a magazine in Nebraska that he might have. So now he wants to go to Nebraska to get that money, with or without his families help. You could have also called this movie "Man, Old People Are Frustrating".

"Dern has some truly wonderful moments with the character, showing why he's a beloved elder statesman in film"

The film centers on David and Woody going to Nebraska, and the details of their relationship that come about because of it. This is where the movie works wonders, because the relationships between all the characters feel authentic and real, never attempting to give you that big Hollywood moment, because those don't actually happen in real life. Forte gives a strong performance as David, a regular guy who loves his father, but clearly harbors some resentment deep down. It's a massive departure from anything he's done previously, and really shows he could have a good acting career. There are misbeats along the way, and part of me wonders if those would have been rectified by Bryan Cranston, who actively sought the part. Dern puts in a brilliant performance as Woody, a man who doesn't realize how much of a pain he is at times, but not why you would think. Woody is a kind, giving soul hidden behind the mask of a weary alcoholic, and Dern has some truly wonderful moments with the character, showing why he's a beloved elder statesman in film.

"The only real problem I have with most of the movie is that it feels like a greatest hits of Payne movies, as opposed to something new and fresh"

The supporting cast is excellent too, particularly Squibb who reminded me so much of the women in my family and gives a lot of heart to the movie, as well as Bob Odenkirk, who is fresh off Breaking Bad, giving a subdued performance, and showing that Saul Goodman isn't a flash in the pan dramatic role. Stacy Keach also does strong work as Ed Pegram, an old friend of Woody's, who knows a little too much about him, and is all too willing to take advantage. Turns out everyone in Woody's life feels they deserve a piece of the pie, and Woody is just oblivious enough to not turn them down. This is where the film lost me at times, as it felt shoehorned in to create conflict among the family. The only real problem I have with most of the movie is that it feels like a greatest hits of Payne movies, as opposed to something new and fresh.

Ultimately, the film is strong, and among the years best. Shot in black and white, it looks gorgeous, and helps the film establish a look of dreariness at the same time. I would like Payne to perhaps step a little outside his comfort zone though, like David O. Russell or Ang Lee. All in all, Nebraska is still a movie you should take the time to see and enjoy.

Grade: B+