7. Bruce Dern - Nebraska
With black and white treasure Nebraska, Alexander Payne has achieved character greatness again, offering an intelligent and occasionally hilarious portrait of familial and individual dysfunction that delighted the Cannes audience in its Competition berth. There will be some strong whispers emerging that Nebraska might sneak the Palme d'Or, and I would happily offer my own endorsement: it was easily one of the most enjoyable films that screened over the entire festival, and probably second only to Behind The Candelabra. A lot of that enjoyment comes down to the film's central performances. The entire cast is nailed on for the roles, from Devin Ratray as a villainous cousin, to Stacy Keach as a threatening old friend to Woody, but it is the family at the centre of the narrative who wins the most plaudits. And at their head is Bruce Dern, aged remarkably for the role by a tousled hair-style and a physical performance that conveys exactly Woody's vulnerability as well as his obstinate pride. He is great as the bull-headed alcoholic, and could well pick up some awards attention for the role, which is multi-layered and intriguing, as we are allowed to peel away some of the skin of his demeanor to reveal a hidden story that offers even more enrichment.
Read the full Nebraska review here.