Nebraska (2013) received six Oscar nominations. I caught up to it last night courtesy of Netflix. It is a bittersweet slice of life from screenwriter Bob Nelson, whose two previous credits are in TV. It alternates between sadness and amusement, and is mainly the story of the relationship of an old laconic, alcoholic and his younger son, who embark on a futile trip to collect a million dollars. The elder is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. The tone is low key throughout, the wit mostly dry, subtle. It is shot in black and white -- why? I’m not sure. It is an unflattering portrait of small town life. Is it accurate? I’m sure it would be debated heatedly. I accept it as a snapshot of a particular time and place and cast of characters, not as a big picture. The performances are first-rate, especially those by the legendary Bruce Dern in the lead and June Squibb, who plays his acid-tongued wife. She has the film’s best lines. She played Jack Nicholson’s better half in About Schmidt (2002). Both films were directed by Alexander Payne, who is a darling of critics. I’ve liked his films, but not as much as the pros have. He has had a remarkable run. Other highlights include: Citizen Ruth (1996), Election (1999), Sideways (2004) and The Descendants (2011). His main interest is the human experience, not action and big events, and for that he is to be commended. SNL alum Will Forte is very likeable as the kind-hearted son in Nebraska. He has 24 writing credits listed at IMDb, mostly in TV. Bob Odenkirk, another actor/writer, lends able support as the older brother, as does Hollywood veteran Stacy Keach as an old, devious friend of the father. The rest of the players are spot on as stereotypical small town folk. 50,000+ users at IMDb rate Nebraska, which was a modest success financially, 7.8 of ten. I’m not as enthusiastic as that. On a scale of five, 3.25. I believe Payne has a great film in him that has yet to come out. And Nelson has made a fine beginning with his first screenplay. I really liked the way he developed the characters, particularly the lead, adding information about past events throughout the narrative.
The floating book shop had a visit from Barry Shunt, who was proudly toting a copy of his book, Heroin and Music in New York City. Given its price, $95 at Macmillan, $75 at Amazon, I was expecting a large tome filled with pictures. Its size is average and it is all text. I don't understand the steep cost, except that the publisher likely has an automatic deal with libraries throughout the country and has no compunction filling its coffers with taxpayer funds. Barry received six complimentary copies. He can buy others at a 50% discount, which means he'd suffer significant loss selling them on the street. Understandably, being his first book, Barry is thrilled to simply have it in print and he isn't lusting for profits. Academics are supposed sneer at filthy lucre. Given their inflated salaries, I suppose it's not very hard to sniff at it. Unfortunately, I hear none railing about the ridiculously high cost of a college education these days.
It was another good sales day. The last of the Time-Life books sold, as well as the humongous Random House Dictionary, and a number of other books. And Madeline donated a combination of 15 romances and thrillers in a canvas bag that came in handy, as the woman who purchased the dictionary was able to sling it across her shoulder. Thanks, folks.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Horror Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
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