'Nickel Boys' Premiere!

 

by Evan L. Jackson

'Nickel Boys' film hosted their L.A. premiere at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, California last night. It was a joyous night that had the cast and director reflecting not only on the movie but also its recent success during awards season. Recently it was nominated for Best Motion Picture, Drama. 

Nickel Boys movie is a potent adaptation of Colson Whitehead's novel, the book is inspired by the real-life Dozier School for Boys(which is thankfully now defunct), a reform school that was sadly known for its abuse, corruption, and violence. Filmmaker RaMell Ross experimental visual style applied to this movie adaptation has paid off. Interpolating symbolism like an alligator -from words himself, at the NAACP advanced screening of the film- in the hallway, representing a foreseen danger but ultimately something that simply wants to survive in a space that they are constantly seen as a threat. WOW! 

 Overarching themes such as systemic racism, identity, and brotherhood are all throughout this film. Once again RaMell's directing heightens this to a point where you keenly have to decipher the meaning of the film while following its narrative. You should see it in theaters and tell people you know about it.