Nomadland
Nomadland (2020)
For the last five or so years I’ve accepted the (self imposed) mission to watch all of the Academy Awards’ Best Picture nominees before the big night. Usually within a week. This year was the first stumbling block - we know what to blame. And so this is the first time I’ve watched the Best Picture champion after the event. Obviously expectations were high; Not only for Best Picture winner... but the all-important Best Actress winner. This had a lot to live up to. And does it? In a year when all the nominees are low-key events then yes it really does.
The victor tells the story of Fern, a widower who lives from job to job, campsite to campsite, as a nomad in her van; Her very own empire that she’s altered to the minutest detail for her every need. Aside from the colder climes it looks like a dream. No commitments and no council tax. What’s not to appreciate?
Like other contenders this year this is an intimate affair of self exploration. Meaning lots of quiet close-ups allowing us to do the heavy lifting. It’s extraordinarily cathartic and moving. Assisted by one of the most emotive, piano heavy scores in recent memory. Ludovico Einaudi robbed of an Oscar nom there.
With two Oscars for Best Actress already on her mantelpiece (Fargo and Three Billboards...) it goes without saying that you can leave Frances McDormand to it. Here she snatches two trophies (actress and producer) which puts her one statue behind record holder Katherine Hepburn. It’s very exciting!
Chloé Zhao becomes only the second female director to take Oscar home, after 2011’s Kathryn Bigalow. Zhao knows how to paint a portrait. It’s a beautiful film highlighting the best and worst of the American landscape: what a country that is. Snow covered mountains and dusty desserts. What a canvas. Very much looking forward to her Marvel debut later this year with The Eternals.
Give this a watch when you’re feeling particularly fed up with capitalism, paying bills and living on your phone. It’s a profound breath of fresh air that makes you want to have a good cry. Go ahead, submit.
8 Contemplative Thumbs Up! 👍🏻
