Telluride: ‘Nickel Boys,’ Adapted from Colson Whitehead’s Book, Will Challenge Oscar Voters

As a cinephile who’s had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of independent cinema, I found myself utterly captivated by RaMell Ross’s masterpiece, “Nickel Boys”. Being a connoisseur of films that delve deep into societal issues and human experiences, this film resonated with me on an emotional level that few others have.

At the Telluride Film Festival’s Herzog Theatre, RaMell Ross‘s big-screen adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Nickel Boys, titled Nickel Boys, had its world premiere on Friday night. Reactions among attendees, including many Academy members, have been split – while some were deeply moved and impressed by the film, others found it underwhelming, leaving the film’s chances for an Oscar uncertain.

As a film enthusiast myself, I can’t help but admire Ross, an exceptionally talented storyteller. His unique 2018 documentary feature, “Hale County This Morning, This Evening“, garnered both Oscar nominations and Peabody Awards, offering a profound perspective on the Black experience in a specific region of Alabama. At only 42 years old, Ross is embarking on his narrative directorial debut with the adaptation of “Nickel Boys“, a script he co-authored with his longtime collaborator and producer Joslyn Barnes from our previous project, “Hale County“.

The narrative revolves around two young African American individuals, named Elwood (Ethan Herisse) and Turner (Brandon Wilson), who in the tumultuous 1960s, amidst a nationwide struggle for civil rights, find themselves at the Nickel Academy – a Florida reform school inspired by a real institution. This educational facility subjected its students, particularly those of color, to inhumane treatment reminiscent of prisoners and slaves, actively working towards their dehumanization, with some tragic cases resulting in death. Turner has already spent time there, returned to the outside world, and been sent back; meanwhile, Elwood is a newcomer, serving punishment for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Their paths cross, and they influence each other due to their differing viewpoints – and the film’s perspective also shifts.

The movie “Nickel Boys” is aesthetically pleasing yet quite unconventional, much like the works of filmmaker Terrence Malick, whose films have been highly praised by critics for many years but have largely been overlooked by the general public and sporadically recognized by the Academy. It remains to be seen how the Oscar voters will react to Ross’s film.

Filmmakers might find themselves drawn to the style of cinematography by Jomo Fray – he skillfully holds shots on diverse subjects, adjusts the depth of field, and notably shoots scenes from the perspective of an unseen protagonist, similar to the 1947 film Lady in the Lake. However, some critics remain unmoved due to the lack of facial expressions from the main character, which traditionally helps convey reactions to surrounding events.

Film editor Nicholas Monsour skillfully weaves together sequences of diverse footage into the main narrative, which editors might admire. However, some viewers may question the connection of these scenes to the larger story, making a film that is already lengthy (spanning two hours and 20 minutes) and emotionally intense (it’s unrelentingly heartbreaking) seem even more drawn out.

Ultimately, though young male actors dominate screen time with commendable performances, it’s Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s portrayal that may resonate most deeply with viewers. In shows like “When They See Us,” “King Richard,” and “Origin,” she delivers a remarkable performance as Elwood’s grandmother, particularly shining in a poignant scene where she attempts to visit Elwood at Nickel.

The film titled “Nickel Boys,” co-produced by Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner from Plan B Entertainment (known for their work on “Moonlight”), will kick off the New York Film Festival on September 27. It will hit limited theaters on October 25, followed by a streaming debut on Amazon thereafter.

2024-09-01 00:24

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