A One Mann’s Movies review of “Nomadland” (2021).
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
“Nomadland” sees a widowed and depressed Fern (Frances McDormand) take what she needs from her lockup garage and head out on the road in her beat-up converted camper-van. Taking work wherever she can get it, she joins and befriends a similar set of ‘nomads’, all equally battered by life in different ways.
Impressive cinematography as Fern walks through the nomad camp. (Source: Searchlight Pictures)
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Frances McDormand; David Strathairn.
Directed by: Chloé Zhao.
Written by: Chloé Zhao.
The real life nomads. Bob Wells, making an impression for an alternative lifestyle. (Source: Searchlight Pictures)
“Nomadland” Review:
Positives:
- Undeniably a superior motion picture, full of memorable imagery and with an incredible central performance from the impeccably dour Frances McDormand. Few actors can ‘listen’ and react as well as she can.
- A key part of this is the superb cinematography from (Brit-born) Joshua James Richards. This is a movie which I MUST revisit on the big-screen when the cinemas reopen in the UK in 2 week’s time. I thought “Mank” was terrific (rather against the grain of many other movie fans) largely because of Erik Messerschmitt‘s glorious black-and-white cinematography. But I suspect Mr Richards (interestingly, Chloé Zhao’s partner) was mightily pissed-off for missing out on the golden prize, as well he might be.
- It’s difficult to rate the script on this one, primarily because it’s difficult to know sometimes where the scripted bits end and the ‘ad lib’ parts begin. The majority of the cast are real nomads, recounting – presumably – their genuine life experiences. (The only exceptions, I believe, are Frances McDormand, David Strathairn and his son Tay Strathairn. The two Strathairn’s last appeared on screen together in 1988’s “Eight Men Out” when Tay was just eight years old!). As such, the film is an interesting blend of fiction and documentary.
- The movie skewers both capitalism and materialism nicely. As someone who has recently got off the corporate rat-race by retiring, the tale of the man who died before he could use the retirement sail-boat parked in his driveway resonated strongly (and made me very pleased with my decision!). We all get so wrapped up with running around the maze trying to find the cheese that it’s often difficult to appreciate that ‘getting off and cutting back’ is a stress-free and acceptable option. (Not that I’m particularly cutting back, a la Fern….. start saving the retirement coppers early kids!!)
- The movie is also an effective study of grief and the different ways in which people come to terms with it. (Although that does make the overall film feel like a bit of a downer).
- Beautiful classical accompanying music by the great Ludovico Einaudi.
David Strathairn as a potential love interest? (Source: Searchlight Pictures).
Negatives:
- I really loved this movie for its first hour. But then, for me, the story didn’t really maintain my full interest. It was all a bit grey and bland. Did Fern really have much of a story-arc here? She started off at point A and ended up at point B where AB is a short distance! True that perhaps she has a little more acceptance and contentment with her position. But I was looking for more. If this had been a 90 minute film rather than a 107 minute movie, it would have (imho) worked better.
The unsinkable Chloé Zhao, kicking back with Frances McDormand. Nice touch thanking her teachers from her Brighton school in her Oscar speech. (Source: cnn.com)
Summary Thoughts on “Nomadland”:
When a movie gets so much awards-hype thrown at it, I often fear watching it in case I absolutely hate it! That’s not really possible with Nomadland, since it is just so well made that you can’t help but appreciate what Chloé Zhao and her team have done here. It successfully challenges your misconceptions of what a “normal life” can be. The life might not be for you, or me, but it is an option.
That being said, this is not a movie that will be on my “must re-watch repeatedly” list (although I definitely DO want to see it on the big screen). It sits on that ‘worthy-but-dull’ list, alongside “Lincoln” and “Moonlight“: Movies that I can fully appreciate for their artistry but not for their entertainment value.
As a movie that explores an unexplored social strata in America, and does it in a novel semi-documentary manner, I can understand and accept why it was voted as the Best Film by the Academy. But ‘entertainment’ ranks highly on my list of criteria. So – for my personal Oscar Best Film choice – I would still go with “Promising Young Woman” every time.
Trailer:
The trailer for “Nomadland” is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sxCFZ8_d84 .
I was lucky enough to see this on a big screen and it is such a gorgeous-looking film. I enjoyed it a lot. There were also many more people watching this than there have been for a while at an English language movie in my local cinema probably due to the Academy Award wins. I liked the fact that Fern never gave up, that she kept moving. However, I do agree with you that she didn’t have much of a character arc. I worry that this film might be seen as more of a “how-to” for the nearly seniors in… Read more »
Thanks for commenting Helen. Yep – I’ve been on business trips to Winnipeg in the middle of winter, and agree that the inside of a Tauntaun would be required if you planned to overnight in a camper van!
Good to know that the cinemas are open where you are. Our’s open in the UK tomorrow… hoorah!! I will plan to try to see Nomadland on the big screen in the next few weeks.