As a movie enthusiast who has had the privilege of living a life far removed from the harrowing experiences depicted in “The Nickel Boys,” I found myself deeply moved and profoundly affected by this powerful film adaptation. The raw emotionality that permeates every frame, combined with the skillful storytelling and exceptional performances, left me feeling both shaken and enlightened.
Nickel Boys isn’t simply a compelling film addressing significant and relevant issues; it’s also an audacious display of cinematic genius that leverages the unique and captivating aspects of cinema to provide an unforgettable encounter. This is a movie everyone should make time for. The motion picture is adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, which in turn draws inspiration from the real-life accounts of the Dozier School in Florida, notorious for its 111 years of mistreatment and fatalities among its students.
Initially, before the events depicted on screen become part of the narrative, first-time feature director RaMell Ross (previously nominated for documentaries) captivates viewers with his poetic and moving filmmaking style. The movie immerses us in the perspective of a young Black boy residing in the Jim Crow South from its very start. Rather than being told, the background information is presented as we live through the environment around him. The cinematography and sound design take on leading roles, creating atmospheres and instances unlike any you’ve encountered before.
The methodology exhibits a distinct novelistic quality, reminiscent of Hemingway’s straightforward depiction of factual events without excess. Yet, it also carries Faulkner’s poetic rhythm, born from the harmonious blend of sound and visuals in a surreal sequence that traverses (a uniquely Southern) landscapes of time and space. In essence, The Nickel Boys masterfully employs cinematic techniques familiar to us, but uses them in unexpected ways to create a profound impact.
Two Boys with Different Perspectives (Literally)
In a unique and immersive fashion, “The Nickel Boys” transports readers to a place they’ve never experienced and can scarcely imagine, creating an indelible impact. The novel’s influence is profound, stretching far beyond its pages due to the weighty themes it explores and the dark chapter of history upon which it is built.
Ellwood Curtis’ life unfolds in spurts, revealing that he leads a contented existence with his grandmother, applies himself diligently in his studies, and shows great potential. During one of these spurts, while on his way to school, he hops into a car driven by someone who appears friendly. However, this seemingly innocuous decision leads him straight into serious trouble when the car happens to be stolen.
Ellwood ends up at The Nickel, a juvenile reform center, where he soon realizes everything is stacked against him. He forms an alliance with Turner, a seasoned resident who’s mastered the art of surviving here. Turner exudes charm and charisma, and it’s when we encounter Turner that our perspective changes, allowing us to truly understand Ellwood for the first time, through someone else’s eyes. From now on, the narrative revolves around how these two perceive each other and their surroundings.
They debate strategies for escaping the Nickel and eventually clash about it. Ellwood trusts his grandmother and the lawyer she hired; Turner relies solely on his skill to maneuver through continual injustice, viewing it as mere obstacles. Eventually, these beliefs intertwine, as do their viewpoints in a climactic third act that should be seen in a theater, much like the rest of the film.
‘Nickel Boys’ Employs the Many Cinematic Innovations of Film History
The film, titled Nickel Boys, showcases various cinematic techniques reminiscent of some of the most iconic moments in movie history. It features an aspect ratio change to 4:3, the extended use of the “oner” shot, first-person perspective camera angles, and a complex soundtrack akin to that of Robert Altman’s work. These elements, commonly employed in filmmaking to emphasize artistic expression, are instead used here in a distinct manner and with great success.
In the realm of cinematic experiences, there are certain scenes and moments that linger, leaving an indelible mark on you, as if they were just a whisper away from becoming your reality. For instance, the poignant image of a woman delicately slicing a cake stands out as one of the most powerful sequences I’ve witnessed this year. It’s a scene that defies words; its true impact can only be felt when embedded within the narrative, the historical backdrop of the American South, and the harmonious collaboration between the craftspeople behind the camera and the actors on screen. This essence of profound impact permeates the entire film.
In the realm of cinema, the first-person perspective isn’t something novel to “Nickel Boys”, but they’ve definitely elevated it. Previously, films like “Diving Bell and the Butterfly” have employed this storytelling method to make viewers feel deeply connected to a character’s unique journey. “Lady in the Lake” was an attempt to mimic Raymond Chandler’s writing style, a directorial debut by Robert Montgomery that didn’t fare well at the box office. “Dark Passage”, on the other hand, used this technique when Humphrey Bogart, as an escaped convict, underwent a transformation and was only shown from a third-person perspective once he had changed his appearance. However, none of these movies have fully succeeded in achieving a complete immersion into someone’s life.
Beyond employing a POV camera, the novel Nickel Boys also incorporates extended, uninterrupted shots known as “oners”, reminiscent of films like Birdman or the opening scenes from The Player, Touch of Evil, and Goodfellas’ Copacabana scene. These cinematic techniques, shared by these iconic movies and their renowned directors, can be paralleled to Ramell Ross’s bold debut in Nickel Boys. Unlike some films that utilize such tools for mere display, the oners in Nickel Boys seamlessly blend into the narrative flow. Instead, they serve as powerful and haunting instruments towards a shocking and chilling climax.
The movie takes us on a journey, gradually revealing its story bit by bit. Additionally, it provides the means for us to grasp its message and, in a sense, live through some fragments of experiences that are hard to put into words or share with others. It’s as if we’re walking a mile in someone else’s shoes. What makes cinema special is its capacity to transport us to different realms and let us see the world from various viewpoints, something rarely achieved as effectively as it has been here.
The Camera and the Characters of ‘Nickel Boys’
In “Ellwood,” the characters Ethan Herisse, Ethan Cole Sharp (young Elwood), Daveed Diggs (adult Elwood), and the audience collectively shape its narrative. This innovative approach to storytelling, where Elwood’s perspective is shared with us, sets it apart from other productions we’ve encountered. Meanwhile, Brandon Wilson brings Turner to life in a captivating performance, drawing us into his experiences as we switch between his point of view at times.
In simpler terms, one issue with “Nickel Boys” might be that parts of the second act can feel slow or confusing due to quick shifts in perspective. The pacing might jar us, making it tough to follow what’s happening and who’s experiencing it. However, these issues aren’t major flaws given the impressive impact they have elsewhere in the story. Some crucial events happen very quickly in certain parts, but they can be difficult to understand because of some editing decisions. This could just be a characteristic of the film’s distinct style, which is truly valuable and worth it.
‘Nickel Boys’ Matters Right Now
After winning a Pulitzer Prize for his novel “The Underground Railroad“, author Colson Whitehead wasn’t eager to tackle another book with such weighty themes. However, the election of Donald Trump in 2016 shifted his perspective. This background and motivation are intriguing as we approach 2024, with a film adaptation set to release around the same time as a potential second Trump victory.
At first glance, the narrative seems unrelated to politics. However, it’s woven intricately against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1960s, a time marked by significant events such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, space exploration, and the passing of Lyndon Johnson’s Civil Rights Act. These events, though distant, have an indirect influence on our characters. Their perspectives towards these events vary, yet there’s a sense that something more promising might be on the horizon. Unfortunately, it arrives too late to save or significantly alter the lives of those enduring persistent injustice.
The “hope” always feels far away and out of reach. So often, progress only comes after many bodies lay deep in the ground, hidden from history. Justice for those from the real-life Dozier School came half a century later in the form of public apologies, and potential bills for scholarships and monetary compensation to victims and descendants. After you’ve lived through Nickel Boys, it all seems an empty gesture from those who continue to hold power and skirt accountability.
Although the current political climate doesn’t directly impact the storyline of the novel or movie, the themes of divisive hate, labeling our fellow citizens as ‘others,’ and the potential reversal of human rights legislation are disquieting. A form of collective forgetfulness in American society allows for a complacent viewpoint that everything is resolved now, despite the nation’s history of atrocities and injustices. Filmmaker RaMell Ross, much like novelist Colson Whitehead, resists this complacency, employing various cinematic techniques to remind us of our past actions. The modern prison system bears striking similarities to the world portrayed in “The Nickel;” miscarriages of justice continue to occur.
If you’re seeking a movie that could offer a glimpse into the harsh reality of people losing their rights and being abandoned in unknown graves, then look no further, as Nickel Boys is precisely that film. Set to be released on Dec 13, 2024, by Amazon MGM Studios, this movie is not just any film – it’s a timeless masterpiece.
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2024-12-09 12:02