‘Nebraska’ FFCC reviews
FFCC members review Alexander Payne’s latest dramedy Nebraska.
Hans Morgenstern – Hollywood.com
“As director Alexander Payne has grown more complex in his storytelling over the years, so have his unusually driven characters. Some might argue that Payne’s films feel a tad too convoluted. But even those living steadfastly in this camp should loosen up their expectations and be prepared to be surprised by Nebraska, which could be consider Payne’s purest (and most melancholy) work yet.”
Reuben Pereira – Film Frontier
“A characteristic unique to this film is its portrait of small town life in America, its rustic culture and lethargic denizens – the majority of whom are elderly, alcoholics, or both. Whether its moments of levity or gravitas, Payne’s perspective on small town life rings authentic; and thanks to Phedon Papamichael’s beautiful stark black-and-white cinematography, awash with shots of vast empty fields and farmlands, the film is lent a characteristic of timeless beauty.”
Steve Persall – The Tampa Bay Times
“Dern’s performance feels transported from the 1970s, when least likely characters inspired memorable movies, with open-ended, meaningful payoffs. Nebraska makes this aesthetic connection obvious with small-town America and Americans eulogized by Phedon Papamichael’s monochrome cinematography, as did Robert Surtees in The Last Picture Show.”
Rene Rodriguez – The Miami Herald
“Like many of Payne’s previous films, Nebraska will be accused of being condescending and misanthropic in spots, getting cheap laughs at the expense of cartoonish characters. But even the most broadly drawn protagonists, such as Woody’s two knuckle-dragging nephews, end up playing an important role in the story, which alternates between slow, contemplative character study and madcap humor.”
