Roaming Vagabonds: A vast, panoramic depiction of the wandering spirit within American society
In the world of cinema, collaborations often birth extraordinary creations. Such is the case with the critically acclaimed film, 'Nomadland'.
The film, which stars Frances McDormand as Fern, a woman navigating her way through the American West as a nomad, was optioned for production by a team of producers including McDormand herself, Peter Spears, Mollye Asher, Dan Janvey, and Chloe Zhao. The project was inspired by Jessica Bruder's non-fiction book, 'Nomadland: Surviving America in the 21st Century'.
McDormand's encounter with Zhao's film, 'The Rider', at the Toronto International Film Festival, marked the beginning of their partnership. McDormand believed Zhao was the perfect director for 'Nomadland'. Zhao, raised in Beijing, China, and Brighton, England, and educated in Politics at Mt. Holyoke College and Film Production at NYU, brought a unique perspective to the project.
The film features real nomads, including Bob Wells, Linda May, and Swankie, as Fern's mentors and companions on her journey. Bob Wells, a well-known figure in the nomad community, commands a huge following through his YouTube videos and his book, 'How To Live In a Car, Van, or RV'. Swankie, another nomad in the movie, describes her nomadic lifestyle as a choice, not a circumstance, and a way to live her best life to the fullest.
Chloe Zhao decided to extend her customary method of working and challenge it while making 'Nomadland'. This approach led to the incorporation of non-actors from the nomad community into the film. McDormand suggested the inclusion of crafts in Fern's character as a way to spend time on the road and make practical things. McDormand even brought personal items from her life, such as potholder loops, a loom, a hook, a set of Autumn Leaf dishes, and silverware, to be used in the movie.
Zhao and McDormand spent a significant amount of time together before the production of 'Nomadland', building out Fern's nomadic home on wheels, a Ford Econoline van named Vanguard, in collaboration with McDormand and Zhao's co-star, Linda May.
Despite the film's critical acclaim, 'Nomadland' was not nominated in the category of 'Best Director' at the German Film Award 2021. There is no information about nominees for 'Nomadland' in that category for the German Film Award 2021 in the provided search results.
The movie 'Nomadland' is a portrait of a woman who loses her husband and former life and finds herself in the nomad community. Fern's character was partially based on McDormand's own life, as she worked alongside the actual workforce at an Amazon fulfillment center, a sugar beet harvesting plant, in the cafeteria of a tourist attraction, and as a camp host in a National Park for the movie.
Director-producer Chloe Zhao crafted the screenplay for 'Nomadland' and edited the film, resulting in a moving and authentic portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle. The movie, with its raw and honest depiction, has resonated with audiences worldwide.
