Alexander Payne has built quite a nice filmography with CITIZEN RUTH, ELECTION, ABOUT SCHMIDT, SIDEWAYS, and THE DESCENDANTS. His latest film, NEBRASKA, also marks his first directorial effort for which he did not contribute to the screenplay. That being said, the movie has been garnering lots of acclaim and was in the running for the Palm D’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Lead actor Bruce Dern picked up the award for his performance in the movie. All signs point to it being a contender come Golden Globes and Oscar season. Now we have our first look at the trailer.
The black and white movie feels thematically similar to ABOUT SCHMIDT more than any other Alexander Payne movie. Both feature cantankerous old men taking a journey of self-discovery. Like that Jack Nicholson performance, Dern looks to be going all out as an unlikeable character who we come to associate with over the course of the movie.
After receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail, a cantankerous father (Bruce Dern) thinks he’s struck it rich, and wrangles his son (Will Forte) into taking a road trip to claim the fortune. Shot in black and white across four states, Nebraska tells the stories of family life in the heartland of America.
Even the normally over the top Will Forte looks to be turning in a nice subdued performance as Dern’s son. Throw in a supporting role for the great Stacey Keach and you have the makings of a nice dark comedy. I definitely get hints of The Coen Brothers in the movie and Wes Anderson in the trailer’s voice over. Hopefully this movie is as good as the trailer looks.
NEBRASKA also features Bob Odenkirk and June Squibb and opens in theaters November 15, 2013.
