Matt King (George Clooney) has a lot to deal with. Not only does he have an important decision to make regarding some prime real estate, but he also has to come to grips with the fact that his wife is in a coma, is about to die...and cheated on him.
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Though he has been twice nominated for Best Director, people tend to think of Alexander Payne as primarily a writer. Critics love to focus on the characters and the consistant world view in his work, yet rarely seem to address his equally distinct visual style.
Though the actions and dialogue have already been worked out in advance, and despite the very deliberate framing and movement, Payne's films are able to somehow retain a sense of documentary. His fascination with the world these characters are living in, can be felt in every frame. Getting the details of dress and decor right is important to him. Like Jonathan Demme before him, Payne is a visual anthropologist, and he deserves to be recognized as such.
Though the actions and dialogue have already been worked out in advance, and despite the very deliberate framing and movement, Payne's films are able to somehow retain a sense of documentary. His fascination with the world these characters are living in, can be felt in every frame. Getting the details of dress and decor right is important to him. Like Jonathan Demme before him, Payne is a visual anthropologist, and he deserves to be recognized as such.
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