I previously reviewed Nickel Boys and touted its masterful encapsulation of maintaining humanity through oppression.
The 1962 set drama follows Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse) as he’s forced to navigate the segregated reform school Nickel Academy. Along the way, he befriends fellow student, Turner (Brandon Wilson), and they work together to keep each other safe. Overall, the film is a masterclass in cinematically communicating perspective and empathy, and its recent accolades and acclaim from institutions like the Gotham Awards and AFI are all deserved. As such, I was excited to talk with RaMell Ross and the cast about the making of the film and the impact of the filmmaking experience.
I had the opportunity to talk with RaMell Ross and the cast about the challenges of working with the film’s POV format. The entire cast found the format fascinating as a way to communicate intimacy and enjoyed the challenge of working with strapped on rigs and acting opposite cameras. Daveed Diggs reveled in the opportunity to try something new, enjoying any chance to try a unique acting or production method. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson all discussed how they worked the production limitations into their performances, aiding in their chemistry with each other and building their characterization. RaMell Ross discussed heavily how the cinematic classic The Defiant Ones (1958) was a major inspiration for the film, and the production challenges he faced capturing his empathic POV vision on a limited budget.
Nickel Boys was recently nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globes and is starting its limited theatric release on Saturday, December 14th
