23. The Rider (2017) & Nomadland (2020)

This week we discuss two Neo-Westerns directed by Chinese American filmmaker Chloé Zhao.

The first is The Rider (2017), a semi-fictionalised account of former bronc rider Brady Jandreau. With a cast of real people playing themselves, Zhao captures an honest depiction of life in rural South Dakota, and of a man dealing with the effects of a life-altering accident.

The second is Nomadland (2020), starring Frances McDormand as Fern, a widow who chooses to take up a life on the road living out of a van. The film has received much critical acclaim, garnering 4 Golden Globe nominations, and is a clear Oscar contender.

 

Timestamps

The Rider (00:07:10)

Nomadland (00:33:30)

John Spillane’s review of Birth (01:12:55)

 

 Links

Instagram -

@callitfriendopodcast

@munnywales

@andyjayritchie

@thejohnspillane

 

Lane Scott video –

 https://youtu.be/Ab_CnUA9aIM

 

Rolling Stone article –

https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-features/wild-horses-how-the-rider-became-the-breakout-movie-of-2018-629297

 

Trey Parker & Matt Stone on Sean Penn –

https://youtu.be/sCq3K2O8htw

 

Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links

https://www.justwatch.com