Frances McDormand: The Allure of RV Life Inspired by Nomadland

In the award-winning film Nomadland, Frances McDormand takes us on a poignant journey of freedom, resilience, and hope. The movie, which swept top honors at the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes, is based on Jessica Bruder’s non-fiction book. McDormand plays Fern, a middle-aged woman who embarks on a life in a van after losing her husband and livelihood in the 2008 recession.

The Authentic Journey of Nomadland

Nomadland, directed by Chloé Zhao, explores the human experience against the backdrop of nomadic life in the American West. The film features real-life van-dwellers, adding a sense of authenticity and a documentary-like feel. Frances McDormand, who also produced the film, shares her insights on working with Chloé Zhao and immersing herself in the nomad community.

Frances McDormand’s Connection to Fern

McDormand relates deeply to her character, Fern. Coming from a working-class background, she understands the struggles and resilience of those who live on the road. McDormand shares, “I come from a working-class background, and those are the people who held and raised me. Also, in my forties, I told my husband that when I turned 65, I was going to change my name to Fern, smoke Lucky Strikes, drink Wild Turkey, and hit the road in an RV.”

The Unique Relationship Between Fern and Dave

The relationship between Fern and Dave, played by David Strathairn, is intriguing and unconventional. McDormand explains, “Both Chloé and I were really interested in it not being a conventional, traditional romantic story between Fern and Dave. We liked the idea of walking right up to the edge of sentimentality and then not satisfying the audience with that.”

Working with Chloé Zhao

McDormand praises Chloé Zhao’s approach to character development. Zhao spent considerable time with the actors and their families, crafting the characters from the truth of their lives. McDormand notes, “She crafted our characters and our film friendship from the truth of our lives. This was a challenge because Chloé hadn’t worked with actors, and David and I hadn’t worked with a mostly non-professional cast.”

The Producer’s Perspective

As a producer, McDormand’s most significant contributions were introducing Chloé Zhao to Jessica Bruder’s book and becoming a part of the tight-knit filmmaking team. She emphasizes the collaborative and learning-focused ethos of the journey, stating, “I was there to learn, and that was the ethos of our journey.”

Life on the Road

The experience of making Nomadland was unique and transformative. The crew, ranging in age from 24 to 61, traveled together for five months across seven states, becoming like a cohesive organism. McDormand reflects, “It was really tight. Everybody crossed department lines whenever something was needed, and the work got done.”

A New Perspective on Van-Dwellers

Making Nomadland changed McDormand’s perception of people who choose to live on the road. She shares, “Having made this film, I don’t pass by my neighbors who live in their vehicles anymore the way I used to. I am much more curious about how they live and the choices they’ve made.”

The Impact of Economic Struggles

McDormand believes that the growth of communities on the road is closely tied to current social and economic struggles. She notes, “There’s a disparity between who ‘has’ and who ‘hasn’t,’ and how we’re effectively taking care of each other and making the world equitable.”

Nomadland is streaming on Disney+ now. For more information on the economic disparities and nomadic living, you can refer to authoritative sources like the World Bank.