Nomadland

sporina

watched Nomadland during the week - lovved it.. a feast for the heart and soul as well as the eyes.. wudda loved to have seen it in cinema.. the soundtrack was bang on too.. felt almost transcendental at times.. and there wer so many scenes that tugged hard at my heart strings... it reminded me of the book Grapes of Wrath and the movie Into the Woods.. McDormand was 1st class.. fair play to The Oscars for honouring this one.. and I didn't know she co produced it too.. hats off to her!

chrislad

This seems to have been released on Disney+ overnight, so I'll give it a go this evening!

flasher0030

sporina wrote: »

watched Nomadland during the week - lovved it.. a feast for the heart and soul as well as the eyes.. wudda loved to have seen it in cinema.. the soundtrack was bang on too.. felt almost transcendental at times.. and there wer so many scenes that tugged hard at my heart strings... it reminded me of the book Grapes of Wrath and the movie Into the Woods.. McDormand was 1st class.. fair play to The Oscars for honouring this one.. and I didn't know she co produced it too.. hats off to her!

Seems like you are on a one man quest for putting some positive into Nomadland. I presume it was you who posted something similar a few days ago. Same lingo in the other post anyway.
Seems you're in the minority with favourable reviews. Everyone I know who have witnessed it seem to slate it.
Would you call it an "arty" movie where it can be hit and miss?
I saw the film 3 Billboards outside Missouri, and whilst that was a tad slow, I thought it was brilliant. Is Nomadland something similar.

sporina

flasher0030 wrote: »

Seems like you are on a one man quest for putting some positive into Nomadland. I presume it was you who posted something similar a few days ago. Same lingo in the other post anyway.
Seems you're in the minority with favourable reviews. Everyone I know who have witnessed it seem to slate it.
Would you call it an "arty" movie where it can be hit and miss?
I saw the film 3 Billboards outside Missouri, and whilst that was a tad slow, I thought it was brilliant. Is Nomadland something similar.

Eh.. no... not on any type of quest - I was just loved it.. found it v heart warming..

I wouldn't compare Nomadland to 3 Billboards at all.. 3 Billboards is more of a black comedy - this is not.. its a docudrama of sorts. using unprofessional actors.. some of the actors are portraying their actual lives in the movie.. and its basically about loss and survival.. the only thing the 2 have in common is Frances McDormand!

I wouldn't use the word "arty" but its not mainstream if thats what you mean.. more of an independent type of film..

Sure like everything in life - what one might love another might hate and vice versa

DaSchmo

I wouldn't be in a rush to watch that again - Frances McDormand's performance was good and some of the shots were great but I found it quite plodding and was checking how long was left on it for the last half an hour or so wishing it to be over. Very depressing film too - just looking at Fern would get you down!

sporina

DaSchmo wrote: »

I wouldn't be in a rush to watch that again - Frances McDormand's performance was good and some of the shots were great but I found it quite plodding and was checking how long was left on it for the last half an hour or so wishing it to be over. Very depressing film too - just looking at Fern would get you down!

twas sad for sure she and the others had lost so much - but she found her way in the end - (comfort in their shared struggles) - like they did.. a new sense of identity - I found it v endearing/inspiring..

The Princess Bride

I liked it, it almost felt like a documentary however, not a film.
I really like Frances McDormand, and she was very good in this.

I'm glad I've seen it, but it's not the sort of film I'd imagine most would relish watching again and again.
In my opinion, for what it's worth.

NIMAN

Could it be the most boring film ever to win Best Picture Oscar?

Doesn't say much for cinema if that was the best film of the year.

Beechwoodspark

Watched it last night. Bit meh

breezy1985

NIMAN wrote: »

Could it be the most boring film ever to win Best Picture Oscar?

Doesn't say much for cinema if that was the best film of the year.

Havnt seen it yet but couldnt be worse than Moonlight

Purple Mountain

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

Watched it last night. Bit meh

Where can one see it? I think I'd like it.

sporina

The Princess Bride wrote: »

I liked it, it almost felt like a documentary however, not a film.
I really like Frances McDormand, and she was very good in this.

I'm glad I've seen it, but it's not the sort of film I'd imagine most would relish watching again and again.
In my opinion, for what it's worth.

yeah its a documentary/drama..

oh there are v few movies i would watch again and again.. but that's not a reflection of how good/bad a movie is, for me.. there are just so many movies to see I wouldn't have the time or inclination.. covid or not lol

I would however like to see this again but on a big screen.. the scenery and soundtrack wer soo good.. imo

retalivity

watched it with my oul fella a few weeks back. Its boring enough, but McDormand does put in a great performance.

pale rider

retalivity wrote: »

watched it with my oul fella a few weeks back. Its boring enough, but McDormand does put in a great performance.

Put my wife to sleep...then to bed early, I stuck with it and regret that.

Fine performance by leading actors but it’s a no from me.

Xaniaj

Purple Mountain wrote: »

Where can one see it? I think I'd like it.

It's on Disney+

dark crystal

I was so looking forward to watching this as Frances McDormand is, in my humble opinion, one of the top three actresses working today. But, my God, it was so dull and pointless.

Fine performances all round I guess, although nothing really happened. Like, nothing.
Now, I don't necessarily need a strong plot, a scintillating storyline, or an interesting payoff (although at least one out of those three would be nice), but sweet Jesus, a film about a woman driving around in a van, working banal odd jobs and standing around talking to other people who drive around in vans - well, that's literally it. The most exciting scene was when the main character took a funny turn and had to sh*t in a bucket.

Not a strong year for films generally I guess, but this one certainly won't be going down in the annals of Oscar history as one of it's best.

sporina

dark crystal wrote: »

I was so looking forward to watching this as Frances McDormand is, in my humble opinion, one of the top three actresses working today. But, my God, it was so dull and pointless.

Fine performances all round I guess, although nothing really happened. Like, nothing.
Now, I don't necessarily need a strong plot, a scintillating storyline, or an interesting payoff (although at least one out of those three would be nice), but sweet Jesus, a film about a woman driving around in a van, working banal odd jobs and standing around talking to other people who drive around in vans - well, that's literally it. The most exciting scene was when the main character took a funny turn and had to sh*t in a bucket.

Not a strong year for films generally I guess, but this one certainly won't be going down in the annals of Oscar history as one of it's best.

oh gosh - didn't you watch the trailer etc before watching it?

Sounds like you wer expecting something like Fargo or 3 Billboards, just cos Frances McDormand was in it - ekk

dark crystal

sporina wrote: »

oh gosh - didn't you watch the trailer etc before watching it?

Sounds like you wer expecting something like Fargo or 3 Billboards, just cos Frances McDormand was in it - ekk

I did watch the trailer, yes. However, trailers only contain excerpts, so it's hard to gauge an entire film from a 30 second trailer. I generally really enjoy slow-paced 'slice of life' movies, I just happen to think this particular one was dull and pointless.

Fargo and Three Billboards were completely different films, so I've no idea why you'd think I expected Nomadland to be similar based on the actress alone. That's like watching 'Sophie's Choice' and expecting it to be something like 'The Deer Hunter' because they both star Meryl Streep

sporina

dark crystal wrote: »

I did watch the trailer, yes. However, trailers only contain excerpts, so it's hard to gauge an entire film from a 30 second trailer. I generally really enjoy slow-paced 'slice of life' movies, I just happen to think this particular one was dull and pointless.

Fargo and Three Billboards were completely different films, so I've no idea why you'd think I expected Nomadland to be similar based on the actress alone. That's like watching 'Sophie's Choice' and expecting it to be something like 'The Deer Hunter' because they both star Meryl Streep

The trailer is only 1 long but perfectly reflects the movie.. so what wer you expecting??

And, absolutely - they are completely different movies.. but the fact that you said "I was so looking forward to watching this as Frances McDormand is, in my humble opinion, one of the top three actresses working today. But, my God, it was so dull and pointless" - made me wonder if you expected something like them.. ??

Pointless? gee.. no.. far from it.. guess it wasn't your cuppa.

johnny_ultimate

Liked it a lot, without quite loving it.

Had been primed to expect some misery/poverty porn, but honestly don’t think it fits into that category. There’s a strong sense of defiance and even satisfaction from a lot of the people in the film. Sure they have tough moments and in many ways have been left behind by society, but there’s also a sense that they’ve chosen this nomadic life which is a strong counterpoint. It doesn’t wallow in misery, instead giving us an unsentimental look at the highs and lows of life on the road. The ‘it’s pro-Amazon!’ arguments strike me as unconvincing after watching the film - Zhao shows how these corporate jobs are a part of these characters’ lives, while also touching on the wreckage corporate America leaves in its wake. But I think a polemic is not the film she’s trying to make here; she’s much more concerned with the rhythms of these people’s everyday lives.

The American landscapes look great here obviously, but in a way that I think serves the point above. These are often frosty, desolate locations... but by the same token they’re also often beautiful and enticing. The cinematography doesn’t have the sheer lyricism of say a Terrence Malick film, but it does split the difference between that and documentary-style realism to frequently fetching effect. There’s a sequence of McDormand wandering through a house at the end which uses shadow and light alone to tell you everything you need to know about a big decision she’s about to make.

That said, there are moments when the style doesn’t quite gel together. I really admire the film giving the real life nomads so much space - indeed, the most impressive thing about McDormand’s performance is how she tones it all the way down to give them space while also hinting at her character’s own hopes, traumas and history. But there can be a hint of sterility to Zhao’s style at time, albeit one bit unique to this film: it’s something that crops up a bit in rural American dramas featuring non-actors. Still, it works overall, but sometimes in a way that left me at a remove of sorts. The film is quite tame and mild-mannered - sometimes to its benefit, sometimes to its detriment. It lacks the punch of Varda’s Vagabond - a great film that covers fairly similar ground.

Impressed on the whole, like I was with The Rider a few years back. There’s a few films I’d probably have liked to see sweep the awards season above or at least alongside this, mainly because I think Never Rarely Sometimes Always and First Cow were criminally overlooked. But certainly happy to see Zhao rise rapidly up the ranks: she’s made another confident, thoughtful film here and I hope against hope some of that can come through as she gets caught up in the MCU machine.

branie2

It's on Blu-ray as well

sporina

@johnny_ultimate

Yes McDormand is exceptional - she's such a big star but didn't overshadow the other characters/real life actors at all... instead she totally blended in with their tone - allowing solitude/providing support as required.. taking the space and pace that the movie required.. well - no surprise she co produced it..

Loved The Rider - yes I look forward to Zhao's next piece of work..

I found this incredibly boring.
I wonder would I felt different had I seen it in the cinema.

I doubt it. Music was gorgeous though

murpho999

Just watched it and really liked it.

I do not understand the boring complaints or "nothing happens".

For me it's a film about society, relationships, human spirit and decisions. Not every film has to have action or fast moving plot.

I found it to be a nice, and often sad, human story, nicely told with a great performance from Frances Mc Dormand, but also by the other cast members and I was impressed by the non-actors.
I also loved the cinematography and soundtrack.

Outkast_IRE

I liked this film but i did not love this film.

I will never feel the urge to go back and watch again. Frances was her usual brilliant self in a role with very little meat to it.

To me it probably is overall the best film in what i would consider a relatively weak field this year. Its an interesting insight into modern day nomadic culture in the USA driven by recession and necessity. The cinematography is accomplished, its decently edited and has no major flaws. The only thing many will consider a flaw is the lack of a traditional narrative structure, there is little story to be told here. Its more of a look at somones life for a year.

A 7/10 for me . Worth a watch but you need to be in the right mood for it. This isnt edge of your seat entertainment or storytelling at its finest. Its an interesting , well produced , well directed insight with no fleshing out of the story, no traditional beginning , middle and end.

Cal4567

Touched a vibe for me. Travelled across America and saw many examples of people just like this. Really enjoyed the film. In a quiet year, probably the best film I've seen.

Not a lot happens but it's a bit like a documentary.

soap1978

Why does most films that win Oscars are rubbish,this is complete rubbish, everything about it,has to be a much better movie then this

Outkast_IRE

soap1978 wrote: »

Why does most films that win Oscars are rubbish,this is complete rubbish, everything about it,has to be a much better movie then this

Parasite last year was a deserving winner .

Not being smart here . But what was better in the last year .

In my opinion my film of the year is Another Round , and that was in the best foreign film category.

Tipsy McSwagger

soap1978 wrote: »

Why does most films that win Oscars are rubbish,this is complete rubbish, everything about it,has to be a much better movie then this

Everything about it, so that includes Frances McDormand’s performance?

murpho999

soap1978 wrote: »

Why does most films that win Oscars are rubbish,this is complete rubbish, everything about it,has to be a much better movie then this

Well done, good argued points about the move that are expressed eloquently and given me a lot to think about.

Tipsy McSwagger

It was a good movie but depressing. Hard to feel much sympathy for the main character as she wasn’t very likable.

Why could they not just give the Oscar to Soul? About time an animated film won it.

Outkast_IRE

Tipsy McSwagger wrote: »

It was a good movie but depressing. Hard to feel much sympathy for the main character as she wasn’t very likable.

Why could they not just give the Oscar to Soul? About time an animated film won it.

Soul whilst good is not Pixars best either . Wall-E or Up were the film's I would of hoped would break the barrier .

As I said earlier Another Round is a better film than most of the oscar best film Contenders this year.

sporina

murpho999 wrote: »

Just watched it and really liked it.

I do not understand the boring complaints or "nothing happens".

For me it's a film about society, relationships, human spirit and decisions. Not every film has to have action or fast moving plot.

I found it to be a nice, and often sad, human story, nicely told with a great performance from Frances Mc Dormand, but also by the other cast members and I was impressed by the non-actors.
I also loved the cinematography and soundtrack.

era different strokes for different folks and all that..

yeah it really tugged at my heart strings.. and nice to see that what started out as a bleak situation for Fern, turned into one of hope and clarity..

and its a subject matter that affects everyone at one time or another throughout our lives..

I would love to see it on a big screen.. I hope its shown in Cinemas when they reopen

johnny_ultimate

TBH I don’t think Soul was even the best animated film of the year - Wolfwalkers was a far stronger film IMO, and Cartoon Saloon deserved that statue over Pixar.

There were lots of great films that barely got a look at the Oscars. Minari was my personal favourite of the best picture lot (yet to see Judas... or The Father). But I’m pleased for Nomadland - it’s actually not really the type of film that often gets a look in at the Oscars. Quiet, plot-light arthouse films rarely make the cut let alone win. Between this, Parasite and Moonlight IMO there’s been a pleasant shift in the type and variety of film that can manage to secure the top prize.

Nigel Fairservice

I watched Nomadland last night and I quite enjoyed it. It didn't bother me that there wasn't much of a traditional storyline. I imagine the realities of day to day life on the road in a van with basic amenities and distractions is sparse which I think is reflected in the movie. I thought there would be more of an anti-corporatism vibe from the movie before I saw it and while there was a hint of it, it didn't dominate the movie which I was glad about as it would have changed the tone of the movie.

The performances were solid and the cinematography was beautiful. I've spent a little bit of time in the desert in Arizona, Nevada and California and it is just stunning, the complete opposite of what I expected.

Tombo2001

For me Nomadland is really outstanding.

Though I've only just watched it, I know for me its a movie that will stay in my memory for a long time to come. Its compelling because - while its fiction, its also real. Its so interesting, and incredibly well produced.

Thinking back two movies it reminds of - though on the face of it are very different - are Waltz with Bashir and the French film Le Grand Voyage; because they bring you from the relaxed and escapist world of fiction into the real world and real people.

Each of those has a really pivotal scene where that leap is made - for me that scene where Swankie talks about her illness, and the things she has done in here life, was just incredible.

Obviously not for everyone. But historically, the oscars have been dominated by movies that I couldnt care less about it. I think its this great movie has been recognised.

Tombo2001

Nigel Fairservice wrote: »

I watched Nomadland last night and I quite enjoyed it. It didn't bother me that there wasn't much of a traditional storyline. I imagine the realities of day to day life on the road in a van with basic amenities and distractions is sparse which I think is reflected in the movie. I thought there would be more of an anti-corporatism vibe from the movie before I saw it and while there was a hint of it, it didn't dominate the movie which I was glad about as it would have changed the tone of the movie.

The performances were solid and the cinematography was beautiful. I've spent a little bit of time in the desert in Arizona, Nevada and California and it is just stunning, the complete opposite of what I expected.

Yes, I thought it did this very well.

People were complaining that it didnt particularly comment negatively about the experience of working for Amazon.

The reality however is that when you are working those low end, migrant labour type jobs, then Amazon probably isnt particularly different to working in other low end, migrant labour type jobs.

homerun_homer

I wasn't ever motivated to watch Nomadland but with it being on Disney+ I put it on yesterday and I found it quite a nice film. It's beautifully shot with a really nice score. I saw one friend post on Twitter that everyone should see the film, but I had to disagree. As you can tell with the comments on this thread alone, it's not the type of film that general audiences would bond with.

I know nothing of the book it's adapted from, but this film lives and breathes like a good American novel. It's like a roadtrip movie, while not being your usual road trip movie. It takes time, has patience and beautifully demonstrates the kindness of others throughout, which is not seen a whole lot these days, at least not without some drama thrown into the mix. This lack of drama and tension is obviously why this film doesn't grab others, and I guess hadn't had me dying to watch it. I'm glad I did, because if I didn't watch it hot off the awards buzz then I may have let it pass me by over time.

sporina

homerun_homer wrote: »

I wasn't ever motivated to watch Nomadland but with it being on Disney+ I put it on yesterday and I found it quite a nice film. It's beautifully shot with a really nice score. I saw one friend post on Twitter that everyone should see the film, but I had to disagree. As you can tell with the comments on this thread alone, it's not the type of film that general audiences would bond with.

I know nothing of the book it's adapted from, but this film lives and breathes like a good American novel. It's like a roadtrip movie, while not being your usual road trip movie. It takes time, has patience and beautifully demonstrates the kindness of others throughout, which is not seen a whole lot these days, at least not without some drama thrown into the mix. This lack of drama and tension is obviously why this film doesn't grab others, and I guess hadn't had me dying to watch it. I'm glad I did, because if I didn't watch it hot off the awards buzz then I may have let it pass me by over time.

exactly - reminded me of The Grapes of Wrath.. which is obviously a good thing.

El Duda

Nomadland – 8.5/10







Last year when only a select few critics had commented on this, I had heard nothing but the most glowing praise. Since it has been made available to a wider audience, user reviews have been completely different. Many commenting that it didn’t do anything for them and that it meanders aimlessly for the duration. Well for me that is the whole point and I’m surprised that more people have been unable to connect with it.



Nomadland is a film that sets out to shine a light on the lives of the American Nomad community, who are a generation of ‘travellers’ who were all victims of the Great Recession. As a mission statement, the obvious way to set about making this film would be to opt for a documentary format. Perhaps sending someone like Louis Theroux out to interview people and explore their stories. For Chloe Zhao to foresee that it would be better to cast an Oscar-winning Hollywood actor, as a fictional character, and put her as the focal point of the film is impressive. Perhaps even genius. What impresses me most is the fact that despite Fern’s story being fictional, it never detracts from those of the people she encounters. Not even when it is put up against one as real and affecting as Swankie’s.



She obviously has a very personal and human touch with her direction. It would be easy for the supporting cast of non-acting ‘real people’ to jar with McDormand’s established screen presence, but it always feels natural, and the inexperienced cast are at ease in front of the camera. It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Frances McDormand in the role. She has a weariness in her face that reflects those of the characters she meets.



This is real people, with real stories, set upon a backdrop of gorgeous landscapes (thanks to some top-class locations work). It has recently come to light that Zhao cut together a show reel of real location work to show to the higher ups at Disney in order to convince them that shooting on location is better than green screen. Nomadland uses its landscapes, scenery and silences to accentuate the emotion in the stories of the Nomads. It’s hard to see how Zhao will translate this approach into a Marvel film, but it certainly has me much more intrigued about The Eternals.



The ultra-realism of the acting reminded me a lot of Shane Meadows. Couple that with using Einaudi for the score suggests to me that Meadow’s may be one of Zhao’s major influences. All in all, I am incredibly surprised to see so many people unable to get anything form this. It is a top piece of work and very worthy the awards it has received, especially for direction.

murpho999

Tipsy McSwagger wrote: »

It was a good movie but depressing. Hard to feel much sympathy for the main character as she wasn’t very likable.

Why could they not just give the Oscar to Soul? About time an animated film won it.

I wouldn't agree she was an unlikable character but why would this be pre-requisite for a movie?

Why would you have to like or feel sympathy for a character in order to like the story?
You can have great stories about bad people or bad events.

Tombo2001

El Duda wrote: »

Nomadland


The ultra-realism of the acting reminded me a lot of Shane Meadows. Couple that with using Einaudi for the score suggests to me that Meadow’s may be one of Zhao’s major influences. All in all, I am incredibly surprised to see so many people unable to get anything form this. It is a top piece of work and very worthy the awards it has received, especially for direction.

I've actually never seen a Shane Meadows so cant comment on that piece - however, regarding the ultra-realism - the director is interspersing actors (Francis McDormand, David Straitharn) with real people......so when Fern (Francis McDormand) is talking to Swankie, Francis McDormand is acting but Swankie is actually talking about her own life.

And the interesting thing, is that (for me) as good an actress as she is, its Swankie, its Derek, its John Wells who come out of these scenes as being more convincing......they almost appear to be the better actor, but actually the character they are playing is themselves.

And largely the way these scenes are constructed is that Fern is listening while the others are talking.

Tony EH

El Duda wrote: »

it meanders aimlessly for the duration. Well for me that is the whole point and I’m surprised that more people have been unable to connect with it.

Exactly.

It's a film about wandering transients who meander through the country at that particular time in their lives.

The clue is in the feckin title.

Some people have never heard or read of the concept of "show, don't tell"

I watched it at the weekend and thought it was brilliant. Really liked it.

sporina

Tony EH wrote: »

Exactly.

It's a film about wandering transients who meander through the country at that particular time in their lives.

The clue is in the feckin title.

For me, its was an inward journey as oppose to an actual one..

She was happy in life, with her hubby and living/working in Empire.. but then all of that was taken away from her.. lost her house, job and hubby and even her identity.. so not only was living in a van a means of shelter - she was also on a quest to find a new way of existing.. and she found that on the road - love and support within the nomad community.. she had the choice to settle with her sister or with the guy who fancied her (can't rem his name).. but she chose to stay on the road.. she had found healing in her journey.. and found a new way to live with an ease of mind.. as she said - she had spent too long remembering and not living.. but now she had found her way..

A beautiful work of art. Loved it!

flasher0030

sporina wrote: »

For me, its was an inward journey as oppose to an actual one..

She was happy in life, with her hubby and living/working in Empire.. but then all of that was taken away from her.. lost her house, job and hubby and even her identity.. so not only was living in a van a means of shelter - she was also on a quest to find a new way of existing.. and she found that on the road - love and support within the nomad community.. she had the choice to settle with her sister or with the guy who fancied her (can't rem his name).. but she chose to stay on the road.. she had found healing in her journey.. and found a new way to live with an ease of mind.. as she said - she had spent too long remembering and not living.. but now she had found her way..

A beautiful work of art. Loved it!

You've sold it to me. Going to give it a watch at the weekend.
I can recently relate to the bit in bold (substitute wife for hubby). :(
So it might strike a chord.

sporina

flasher0030 wrote: »

You've sold it to me. Going to give it a watch at the weekend.
I can recently relate to the bit in bold (substitute wife for hubby). :(
So it might strike a chord.

oh I am sorry for your loss... it might be tough for you to watch but could be cathartic too - big virtual hug..

Sabre0001

I'm in two minds on this one I have to say.

It isn't your typical film with a beginning, middle, and end. Meanders as others have said. This means that there are some scenes that don't contribute to a plot, but do add insight and colour into the life on the road. So I can understand it not being to everyone's taste.

Interesting choice to use real nomads and it does work. They don't seem out of place, but then again they more or less just have to be themselves and tell their own story at times. I have seen comments that this does seem at odds with a wealthy actress appearing alongside them and telling a fictionalised story. Does it take away from the real situations that people have found themselves in (particularly if you're unaware that the co-stars are telling their true stories)?

The line very early on about Amazon paying really well seems odd and I wonder if it was necessary in order to use the filming location. It also flits past some of the struggles that nomads really have to deal with - like getting ill when living in America with limited means. Dave was sick, in hospital, fine again and nothing about paying for said healthcare...We got more struggle when Fern had to pay for car repairs.

I read a little from the author after watching the film and it sounds like the book is more critical of the state of America and corporations like Amazon. There are some backstories of tragedy and being forced into travelling as a nomad whereas the film makes it seem more liberating and a choice (an Into the Wild vibe). But there are many reasons why people are in this lifestyle, I suppose and it does paint a good picture of community and making the best of things.

It's certainly an interesting film! Beautifully shot too.

gucci

El Duda wrote: »

The ultra-realism of the acting reminded me a lot of Shane Meadows. Couple that with using Einaudi for the score suggests to me that Meadow’s may be one of Zhao’s major influences.

While being no expert on movies, i did make this alignment myself. The pace and intimate camera closeness to the camera in the vans etc was also similar.

I enjoyed this movie, a good simple story, well told, nice shots and a good score to match. As someone else mentioned here, it could have been alot more blatant and obvious with its themes, but I prefer to just have something like this that shows enough and you can think about it yourself if you choose.

sporina

gucci wrote: »

While being no expert on movies, i did make this alignment myself. The pace and intimate camera closeness to the camera in the vans etc was also similar.

I enjoyed this movie, a good simple story, well told, nice shots and a good score to match. As someone else mentioned here, it could have been alot more blatant and obvious with its themes, but I prefer to just have something like this that shows enough and you can think about it yourself if you choose.

absolutely - and McDormand was perfect in lending to that.. her expressions and demeanor said so much - it didn't need to be heavily scripted with her in it.. wonderful..