Nebraska draft 2

AS film Robyn Matthews First draft

Nebraska (2013) directed by Alexander Payne is a black and white comedic drama with themes of insanity, love, nurture, jealousy and greed. An old Married man, Woody Grant, played by Bruce Dern is indefatigable in seeking his million dollar reward from a unofficial Pamphlet. 

At the beginning of my chosen scene there is a mid-shot of Woody’s son looking up at him. This initially implies to the viewer that he is above Woody physically and metaphorically. This technique is significant in defying the hierarchy of the film as it highlights the directors emotions on how the characters see each other and how they want to be portrayed. The next shot is of Woody, evidently the son is looking down on him while he is in the hospital bed giving the opposite effect from the previous shot. As these shots are consecutive it creates a larger contrast and creates a more vivid interpretation from the directors mind set and how the characters insecurities and displayed.

In these few shots the camera is steady showing that it is on a tripod. The shots alter between a mid-shot of the son, a mid shot of Woody and an over the shoulder shot of the son displaying the back off Woody’s head and the hospital bed. This last shot gives a sense of involvement with in the conversation and gives the viewer a sense of engagement.

This scene is in black and white. It isn't so common that modern day films will use this type of cinematography as modern film has developed the stereotype that the best films are the ones with the most CGI and biggest explosives and colour. However, for the film Nebraska, I agree that the monochrome affect seconded the message presented in the narrative.

Here is a mid shot of Woody Grant. I feel this shot particularly is very well thought out as Woody's facial expressions and emotions are clearly presented as he is looking straight past the cameraman. You can see the frustration in his face presumably caused by the lingering thought of his unclaimed prize. Behind him you can see the train tracks and at first sight you would assume he was in some sort of danger. This was purposely done by the director as he wanted to display how Woody's health and endless determination is putting him at risk. Furthermore the image blurs the further it goes into the distance insinuating that there is no way Woody can return from the state he is in as his past is no longer intact. His mental state is so fix stated on the present the past is only a blur to him. In addition the sky appears quite bright making Woody appear darker; this is unusual as this suggests Woody is also in a dark place and the light, possibly heaven, is creeping top behind him and he is unaware of his situation because he never looks behind.

This scene particularly has a comedic essence about it. David is searching for Woody’s teeth that he claims top have lost at the railway track.

David: Here they are!

Oh, wait, these aren’t yours.

Just kidding, here.

Woody: These are not mine.

David: Of course, if they are.

Who’s who else will be?

See if they fit.

Woody: These are not my teeth.

I know my own teeth

Of course they are my teeth!

Do not be an idiot.

David performs a humorous joke in saying they aren’t his fathers teeth which is comedic itself as who would lose their teeth in this particular area. However Woody begins to agree with David’s point even after David admits he was joking around. When I watched this it made me feel that Woody truly was crazy as his performance was so believable caused by his determination to stay with his original idea. However, the audience are fooled when he turns around and states “Of coarse they are my teeth! Do not be an idiot.” This was surprising as from the previous scenes you are assuming Woody’s mental state is incompatible of having a joke so when he quotes this we are all fooled. This made us all feel belittled and nonsensical which then makes us emphasize for Woody as this is how he is constantly feeling due to nobody listening to him. I feel this particular part of the script was well planned. It gives a comedic value to the film, which lifts the vibe of the current situation, but also it gives you a more personal understanding fro Woody and why he is like this.