Bruce Dern Embodies Humor and Melancholy with Poise

Alexander Payne, director of such gems as 'About Schmidt' and 'The Descendants,' delivers another poignant human drama. His latest work, too, fills the heart with the beauty of life and a quiet sense of happiness found in human connection.


The casting is equally superb. Bruce Dern plays Woody, adrift in the confusion of old age. Known for his villainous and intense roles as rebels and hitmen, Dern here delivers a nuanced performance, portraying the humor and melancholy of a man convinced he's won a million dollars with a nonchalant air. He earned the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival at the age of 76.


Will Forte, a popular comedian known for 'Rock of Ages,' plays the son. Kate, the wife, is portrayed by June Squibb, following her role in 'About Schmidt.' The cast also features seasoned actors like Stacy Keach, who played Mike Hammer in the American TV drama 'Mike Hammer, Private Eye.'

Woody, an elderly man convinced he's won a million dollars

Woody, an aging man who is a heavy drinker, stubborn, and increasingly prone to flights of fancy, receives a clearly dubious notification: "You've won a million dollars." He completely believes it and sets off on foot for Lincoln, Nebraska, a considerable distance away, to claim his prize.


His son, David, who had kept his distance from Woody, sees that his father, despite his mother and brother's attempts to stop him, is utterly determined. Realizing it's a futile effort, David nonetheless decides to drive him on a journey spanning four states.


Woody causes disruptions wherever they go, leading to constant detours. While caught up in the commotion surrounding the prize money in Woody's hometown, David unexpectedly encounters the past of his parents.


This film, with its imperfect yet deeply human characters confronting life and reconnecting with family, is depicted with a sharpness that occasionally stings, yet always with warmth. Payne masterfully captures the nuances of everyday life and human emotion, creating a work that truly celebrates the richness of life.

'This is a Story About Our Modern 'Melancholy Age''

—What were your thoughts when you first read the script written by Bob Nelson?

I first received this beautiful script in 2004. It was humorous, melancholic, and felt like life itself. I also liked that Bob Nelson's own experiences were woven into it, making it feel very personal, as if the screenwriter was living within the story. However, 'Sideways' was nearing completion, and I had no intention of making another road movie right away. So, I decided to let the script sit for a while.

—After achieving success with 'The Descendants' in 2011, you finally began working on this film, correct?


Nine years had passed, but my affection for this script never faded. I realized that now was the best time to film this unsentimental and mature story. Many things had happened in the world by the time we started working on this film. I felt that this was a story about our modern 'melancholy age.' I believe any film carries the atmosphere of the era in which it was made. The spirit of the times flows through a work, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Director Alexander Payne

—Why did you choose to film in black and white?


Deciding to shoot in black and white was the very first decision I made for this film. I had envisioned it in monochrome from the moment I first read the script, so it felt like the right choice for this story. A stark, direct visual style is perfect for depicting a modest, unadorned narrative and the lives of its characters. Also, I had wanted to make a black and white film for a long time. I think black and white cinema is a truly beautiful form.


—What was it like filming in Nebraska, your home state?


Filming in Nebraska allowed us to delve deeper into the story. While the story could have taken place anywhere in America, choosing a location I knew well gave me the opportunity to bring subtle details to the film. I'm from Omaha, Nebraska, which is much more urban than the Grant family's hometown, so exploring rural Nebraska was a very exotic and enjoyable experience.


—Casting Bruce Dern as Woody wasn't straightforward, was it?


After initially deciding on Bruce Dern, I reconsidered all possibilities. Throughout that time, his daughter Laura kept calling me, persistently saying, 'Cast my dad!' It wasn't because of her calls that we decided, though (laughs). Once I was convinced that Bruce was the right choice, there was no turning back.

—What discussions did you have with Dern before filming?


My working relationship with Bruce was very simple: we established trust early on. For weeks before shooting began, we spent time together talking about various things, just not about the movie itself. By the time filming started, everything flowed naturally.


—How about his approach to the role?


I witnessed Bruce enthusiastically immersing himself in the role, drawing on his established creativity while also delving deeper to embody both the human and extraordinary aspects of Woody. How he approached Woody as an actor was entirely up to him. He brought all the contradictory qualities I was looking for to the character.


Bruce can be difficult, yet simultaneously express lightness. What I'm most grateful for is that he trusted me. That's the greatest gift for any director. He responded to every request. At one point, during a scene in the car, I simply said, 'Be like a pathetic, worn-out rag,' and Bruce did exactly that.

—How was the casting for David, the son?


David was also an important character for me. As I have two elderly parents myself, I could empathize with David's feelings. While my situation isn't exactly the same as David's, I understand the emotions involved. One of the things I liked about this story was David's attempt to restore his father's dignity. This theme was important and personal to me.


David was cast through auditions, but Will Forte's performance was the most convincing. He made me believe. Will possesses sincerity and kindness, but also a certain vulnerability. Watching his performance, we truly felt that this was the kind of person who could have been born to Bruce Dern and June Squibb.

'Nebraska'

Nationwide release from Friday, February 28, at TOHO Cinemas Chanter, Shinjuku Musashinokan, and other theaters.

Director: Alexander Payne

Starring: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Stacy Keach, Bob Odenkirk

Distribution: Longride

2013 / USA / 115 min

http://nebraska-movie.jp


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