Review of Nomadland (2021) by Migdalorguy — 20 Feb 2021
This was a difficult move to rate. As a film, it is absolutely brilliant in every aspect. McDormand gives a tour de force performance. The cinematography and musical score are both as close to perfection as they could be.
The story is beautiful and touching. But therein lies the problem. The story, a clear indictment of everything that is wrong in the US and the inequalities resulting from unbridled capitalism and plutocratic rule, is just too much on the nice side of prettied up by Hollywood for the suburban and urban elite.
While there are many aspects of the nomad life that ring true, and clearly show some effort to be honest, it glosses over way to much of the everyday nitty gritty and the harsh realities. As if work at an Amazon facility were so pleasant.
As if working on a sugar beet harvest involved just those few moments shown rather than weeks of constant body-draining effort. As if Fern would really betray her values and take the money from her sister.
Sadly, the film serves most to soothe the guilt of the self-proclaimed woke. Yes, the film deserves awards all around - acting, directing, cinematography, score. (Screen adaptation not so much. The book is much more realistic.
) I let this film tug at me heartstrings and my love of movies. Then, after letting it sit for a while, I saw it for social failure it is.
This review of Nomadland (2021) was written by Migdalorguy on 20 Feb 2021.
Nomadland has generally received very positive reviews.
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