Nebraska scene analysis
Nebraska (2013) directed by Alexander Payne is a black and white comedic drama. An old Married man, Woody Grant
and David Grant (Woody's son), played by Will Forte journey together through Woody's hometown to seek his million dollar prize.
The entire film is in black and white. This cinematography isn't recognized as greatly in more modern films; I feel that it provides us with a more creative perspective to modern filming showing that new filming techniques don't compliment every film. Prior to this film The Artist (2011) was similarly a black and white film which won an oscar. As a result this may have inspired Alexander Payne to make the decision to use this affect in Nebraska. Alexander Payne said at the New York Film Festival, Autumn of 2013, "It's just so darn beautiful,". This monochrome affect also creates an incomplete feeling and makes me emphasize Woody's situation. Perhaps this cinematography was used to create an insight into Woody's perspective on life showing he may not see life to its full potential and this is also reimbursed by his fixation on this one goal. Another interpretation of this technique could be that due to Woody's deteriorating mental state he perceived to be an anthropoid: inhumane. I feel this way because most animals don't have the capability to see in color, he may be more animal like. An example of this is when Woody converses with David his expressions are very bland and mutual. therefor this justifies my interpretation as emotions are one of the main characteristics that make us individual as a species.
In the beginning of this scene there is a wide shot of the car coming towards the camera, (image 1), this connotes that they could be approaching their destination as the director chose not to shoot the car from behind. Alternatively they could be approaching the end of the film. Next the shot pans out the left which presents the rest of the road as it turns, thus displaying that their has been a change in direction for Woody and David. As an accompaniment to this shot slow, dreary music is played to reiterate the mood created in the previous scene.
(Image 1)
The next shot is inside the car we alter between a mid shot of David and Woody giving the affect that we are seeing things through the person not in shot's eyes: (image's 2&3). These shots are also in a shallow debt of field making the subject of the shot very clear in this case: Woody and David. By doing this it provides a feeling of intimacy between us and the characters as we feel we are personally being spoken to; it is also suggesting that Woody being allowed to drive the car, which is the topic of conversation, is a matter not to be taken lightly and all their focus needs to be fixated on the most important thing at that current moment.
The performance in this scene is particularly good the contrast in characters is clearly displayed through the dynamic changes in their vocals. Their thoughts are expressed in different ways as David is presented to be more extroverted; his feelings are clearly portrayed. Also his role of authority is unusual as he plays the son. Woody Grant on the other hand is described as "a man of few words" and his emotions are hard to read especially those towards David. David has a very enthusiastic tone which is amplified by his facial expressions and hand gestures. You see a lot of movement in his face in contrast to Woody who is very stiff and slow.
There next is a medium shot of the pair taken from the inside of the car (image 4). As Woody and David cross over the front of the car the camera is in a shallow debt of field again drawing your attention to Woody now becoming the driver. This connotes that Woody is now in control. Woody is now displayed as the superior character this connotes the progression of the characters and how their roles of leadship develop through the film. Alternatively it could display how David's connection and trust between himself and Woody has increased dramatically. After Woody returned from war his confidence was shattered and his independence was removed. He put all his emotions into driving and when his license was taken away from him so was his man hood. Now this opportunity to drive has arose he has returned to a fixed mental state of capability and maturity as his freedom has been returned. Essentially he been given the tools to recover from war at last.
(image 4)
Silence is in the background of the next few shots of Woody. This adds intensity to the situation; we also are clearly displayed the couples emotions through movements and facial expressions. A close up of woodys hand changing the gear stick into drive is shown and similarly a close up of his foot on the gas peddle close up's are used to make you aware of certain key movements with in scenes. They notify you of the important details about the characters to help you get a clearer understanding of their background with out telling you. Also it was used to make the viewer aware Woody is about to start driving. This connotes he is experiencing a form of anxiety driving the first time in a while. .
The music complement from the beginning of the scene continues as the car starts to move. As this music is slow and calming it reassures the viewer that David has faith in Woody which gives us satisfaction. The music also begins whenever the car is in motion which also denotes that driving is a good thing. This may be because it means the characters are continuing with their journey towards their evident destination. This could also show that Woody has now regained his independence after this was first taken away from him after he had returned for war. His confidence was shattered and now he is driving he feels as if he has regained his self esteem.
A long shot is used of one of Woody's friends, he quotes "Hey there, looking good Woody", this use of speech breaks the silence of verbal communication between the characters. This significantly also shows the viewer that driving gives him confidence again. He then makes a fast snap at David to "Get down." This is also the first quick determined decision he has made which furthermore adds to the progression of the character development. He could also be seen as cocky driving this van however the viewer emphasises with him as this is the first moment he has reached a goal on the entire film.
We then get a wide shot from outside the car. We see leaves being blown away by a gust of wind, (image 5). This connotes that all the confusion between the characters and allegations about this million dollar have been cleared up. A clean slate has subconsciously appeared for Woody as he can now leave this town once again at peace. The road also is being cleared for him as this happens resulting in any obstacles which may interfere with his driving being removed; this is showing that this scene is not meant to make you uneasy but give you a clam, happy atmosphere for the characters.
(image 5)
The next mid shot is taken from below, David's perspective (image 6). A shot like this shows superiority and confidence. It presents a figurative hierarchy between the characters as Woody is on top he is presented with the most power. We are looking up on him. Alternatively in contrast the next shot is taken from Woody's perspective at David, taken from above it makes David look small and inferior giving him back the role as the son in this relationship. (image 7)
(image 7) (image 6)
The next shot is a mid shot of an old friend of Woody's whom he had conflict with previously in the film (image 8). The camera is moving whilst the shot is in focus showing he is being left behind as he approaches the end of the screen. He looks directly at the camera which is taken from the perspective of Woody with a confused expression. He cannot understand how Woody had received the truck after he was embarrassed and shown his pamphlet to be faux. At this point you realise the film wasn't about the money it was about the understanding of the more important things in life. The bonding with David had made him a richer man than anyone else in that town.
(image 8)
In the final shot you see a long shot of the car driving off into the horizon (image 9). The composition of this shot notifies us that all previous issues have been resolved as they are driving off to a new path. You also can't see where the road leads to which connotes that there is no fixed route for either Woody or David and both can go where ever they like as of now.
