Nebraska (2013)
You look at someone old who is not the warmest person in the world with signs of senility written all over and think that he must be the most uninspiring person with a most boring life. You keep away thinking that he may ask you for help. Then you see his wife who carries herself like she is the most painful character in the world and you start thinking, "what do these find in each other, why do they go for each other's neck but still show affection to each other all these years?"
Slowly you discover that this person was also young and had his time in the spotlight. He served his country, broke a few hearts along the way, did many good deeds and had his own set of buddies. Then you realise that "he is alright" and let him have his wish. You stop telling him to do things just because you want it to be done your way but give him dignity and let him have his way.
This, in essence, is the gist of this touching film. Purposely done in black and white to give the nostalgia feel, it explores the relationship between an hard drinking quiet old man, Woody Grant and his family and his younger son, David, in particular.
Woody, a sometimes senile veteran, frequently goes out alone walking on the highway. He alleges that he had won a $1million prize and was walking all the way across two states (from Billing, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska) to collect his prize.
This brings many tensions in the family. The nagging mother, David's frequent disruptions from work and the seemingly unshakable belief of the father was just too much for David. The supposed prize was actually nothing more than book order and chance for lucky draw business gimmick. Just to keep his father happy and put to end to this nonsense, David decides to take a long drive to Nebraska with his father. Sometimes David wonders what bonds his parents together after all these years despite the constant display of distaste for each other, unlike his relationship which is so fragile that crumbles with slightest of provocation!
A small accident on Woody called for a stopover at the town that Woody and his wife grew up. Just like any small town in US, Hawthorne is another town with nothing much to do and only old folks there. A reunion is arranged. His relatives and old friends meet up. David learns a lot of things about his father. There is even old flame there. He realises that his father is not just an old drunk but has a good heart and a tale to tell about his good life. The only problem is that he is quite an introvert.
Everyone in town soon learns about his 'fortune' and wants a piece on the earning, citing old debts and forgotten loans.
After much deliberation, the duo finally reach Lincoln to learn the truth. David discovers the real reason his father was adamant on acquiring the money as he felt that wanted to leave something behind for his sons when he died.
On the way back, David trades in his car for a pick-up truck under his father's name and bought an air compressor that Woody always wanted. The joy of seeing his father driving the truck proudly in front of his friends and relatives in Hawthorne.. priceless!
You look at someone old who is not the warmest person in the world with signs of senility written all over and think that he must be the most uninspiring person with a most boring life. You keep away thinking that he may ask you for help. Then you see his wife who carries herself like she is the most painful character in the world and you start thinking, "what do these find in each other, why do they go for each other's neck but still show affection to each other all these years?"Slowly you discover that this person was also young and had his time in the spotlight. He served his country, broke a few hearts along the way, did many good deeds and had his own set of buddies. Then you realise that "he is alright" and let him have his wish. You stop telling him to do things just because you want it to be done your way but give him dignity and let him have his way.
This, in essence, is the gist of this touching film. Purposely done in black and white to give the nostalgia feel, it explores the relationship between an hard drinking quiet old man, Woody Grant and his family and his younger son, David, in particular.
Woody, a sometimes senile veteran, frequently goes out alone walking on the highway. He alleges that he had won a $1million prize and was walking all the way across two states (from Billing, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska) to collect his prize.
This brings many tensions in the family. The nagging mother, David's frequent disruptions from work and the seemingly unshakable belief of the father was just too much for David. The supposed prize was actually nothing more than book order and chance for lucky draw business gimmick. Just to keep his father happy and put to end to this nonsense, David decides to take a long drive to Nebraska with his father. Sometimes David wonders what bonds his parents together after all these years despite the constant display of distaste for each other, unlike his relationship which is so fragile that crumbles with slightest of provocation!
A small accident on Woody called for a stopover at the town that Woody and his wife grew up. Just like any small town in US, Hawthorne is another town with nothing much to do and only old folks there. A reunion is arranged. His relatives and old friends meet up. David learns a lot of things about his father. There is even old flame there. He realises that his father is not just an old drunk but has a good heart and a tale to tell about his good life. The only problem is that he is quite an introvert.Everyone in town soon learns about his 'fortune' and wants a piece on the earning, citing old debts and forgotten loans.
After much deliberation, the duo finally reach Lincoln to learn the truth. David discovers the real reason his father was adamant on acquiring the money as he felt that wanted to leave something behind for his sons when he died.
On the way back, David trades in his car for a pick-up truck under his father's name and bought an air compressor that Woody always wanted. The joy of seeing his father driving the truck proudly in front of his friends and relatives in Hawthorne.. priceless!
I can relate with the premise of this story very well. I have, among a long ever-growing list of ideas, one that is to photo tribute to random people. Old forgotten people, Old lonely people. Old poor people and so on... juxtaposed against their once-upon-a-time younger selves.
ReplyDeleteConcept: Every one has a story.
Obj: to show to the world esp the youhg, that not all old people are useless, annoying, pain in the ass... to show everyone that your parents were not the weak, need creatures you now have to care for and skip work, and forego sleep on.... to show the young ones that their parents were once cool and happening, belle of the ball, the cool chick on campus etc etc..
Kwee Nah
Kwee Nah, I think it is a brilliant and novel idea! Go for it. I also feel that way when I see old houses and mansions, especially depilated neglected ones. I can almost feel the house play host to all the good things, special moments, joy, tears, rituals and projects culminating from act of love (not the physical one but emotional) - those specials memories forgotten in the annals of time.... Sad!
DeleteObj: to show to the world esp the youhg, that not all old people are useless, annoying, pain in the ass... to show everyone that your parents were not the weak, need creatures you now have to care for and skip work, and forego sleep on.... to show the young ones that their parents were once cool and happening, belle of the ball, the cool chick on campus etc etc..
ReplyDeleteKwee Nah