Review of Nebraska (2013) by Kyle G — 17 Nov 2014

Fantastic antiquarian tale that takes place in the past as much as it does in the present. While uncompromisingly realistic, and despite its many laconic characters, it manages to be highly entertaining and can be easily related to by the elder generation of rural Midwesterners. Woody's character is difficult to assess due to his amorality and his past endeavors both good and evil, but he is exceptionally lifelike. It would be easy to write his wife as the good woman who loved and stuck by him all these years, but instead she is manifested as an acerbic, arrogant person with a disregard for hallowed ground. Yet she, too, has her subtle softer moments.

The movie is also darkly and intelligently humorous, as the townsfolk often contradict themselves and unknowingly issue forth ironic statements, all in the name of informal conversation.