Acclaimed director RaMell Ross is using a unique filming approach for his adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Nickel Boys.” The film follows the story of two boys in a segregated 1960s Florida reform school. Unlike most movies, the camera will view events almost entirely from the boys’ perspective.
Ross said he aims to place viewers directly in the experiences of the boys. His method captures “the full spectrum of emotions” they endured. By shooting from the character’s point of view, audiences will see and feel what the boys saw and felt. This jarring experience seeks to deeply engage viewers in the story.
The film centers on Elwood, played by Ethan Herisse, and his friend Turner, portrayed by Brandon Wilson. Scenes set within the abusive Nickel Academy reformatory school uncover the challenges the boys faced. Brief glimpses of life outside also show how their time in the institution impacted them.
Cinematographer Jomo Fray noted the importance of spontaneity to authentically capture moments. In one scene between Elwood and his grandmother, played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, the camera drifts to process the intense discussion. Ellis-Taylor urges it back to meet her gaze in an unscripted action that heightens emotion.
Ross packs frames with layers of meaning. A short shot of Turner outside conveys his feelings of freedom with gum contrasted with the control and threats from a staff member. Viewers understand their complex relationship despite the brief scene.
While some standard filming styles are used, direct eye contact with the audience creates a “shock” meant to provoke real responses. Fray aimed to depict “how it feels to see” versus just recording visuals.
The film premieres in limited theaters starting December 13 in New York and December 20 in Los Angeles. Ross hopes bringing audiences into the story through this innovative technique leads to deeper understanding of Whitehead’s important work.
