Nebraska

I was sitting idle today afternoon, dreading my exams, which start in exactly a week, but still doing nothing to remedy my lack of preparation. I also have a research paper due on Wednesday, and I haven’t even started compiling the data for that.

I got a Whatsapp message from my cousin then with just the following: “Nebraska?” Knowing him, and knowing his habit of asking me to movies which his wife won’t go to, I checked BookMyShow to see if Nebraska was playing in cinema halls nearby. I immediately replied in the positive, knowing it was an Academy Award-nominated movie (not that I trusted the Academy).

On the way to PVR Oberoi, I told him I would kill him if it was as bad as American Hustle (this is why I don’t trust the Academy, besides Slumdog Millionaire). He thought it might be, but we went in with a positive mindset. I had had a good, heavy lunch in case it turned out to be a snoozefest like AH. How wrong was I?!

Nebraska is a beautiful movie. Beautiful in a way Bollywood movie-goers can only dream of. Beautiful in a way no Oscar-nominated movie measures up to. The story didn’t blow my brains out, nor did it make me sit at the edge of my seat perplexed. The people deciding on Oscar nominations got it spot-on when they nominated this movie.

The story just flowed superbly, along with the effortless, brilliant soundtrack. A tip of the hat to Mark Orton, for the music. And having never watched a movie by Alexander Payne before, I’m certainly going to snap to attention and watch some more. The monochromatic cinematography adds rather than takes away from the story.

Oh, and the cast! In a movie where the focus is on Will Forte as David Grant and Bruce Dern as Woody Grant, both of whom have performed brilliantly, June Squibb in her role as Kate Grant takes the cake! Special mention to Devin Ratray, Bob Odenkirk (yes, the despicable lawyer from Breaking Bad!), Tim Driscoll and Stacy Keach for portraying their roles wonderfully.

Don’t expect the story to be phenomenal, but expect it to be one of those stories which drags you into the life of an ordinary American guy with ageing parents, and the film portrays it exceptionally. A lot of laughs along the way, specifically from June Squibb, Bruce Dern, Devin Ratray and Tim Driscoll. A lot of scenarios you can relate to, and a whole lot of fun in general.

Very few shows in very few cinemas in Bombay. If you can, go and watch it! Loved it. One of the best films I’ve seen in recent times. Also a wonderful portrayal of the Mid-West. I shan’t reveal any more to you, just go and watch the movie. Nebraska also has an abundance of messages, most of which are humbling.

It has some good songs like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS9zCAKGxRU