Winter’s Bone: The Years Finest Film So Far
by Oscar on Jun.28, 2010, under Movie Reviews
A Fine Young Actress + A Great Story = A Movie Worth Your Time
Very seldom does a movie come out that makes me glad that I saw it, but “Winter’s Bone” just MADE my early Saturday afternoon. Not only did the film present a gripping story line, it also featured some very fine performances from actors that can’t be found on Hollywood’s “A” list. One notable performance is that of the young actress Jennifer Lawrence (pictured) whose character, Ree Dolly, carries the film. She may not be known right now, but after this film is released to more theaters she will become a household name. What the film “Juno” did for Ellen Page, “Winter’s Bone” will do for Jennifer Lawrence.
When I first became aware of this film my initial response was one of caution. After all, just because it received rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival, as did the depressing “Precious”, that was no guarantee that I’d like the film but, rather, it was more likely that I’d need to watch some “Three Stooges” shorts in order to drive the memory of the film out of my mind. No need though, because not only did I enjoy the film, it also made me unaware of the theater’s uncomfortable seating and the faint scent of disinfectant that pervaded the auditorium.
Since I want to just give you my impressions of the film rather than a full on review I suggest you read Chris Vognar’s review in The Dallas Morning News, as fine a review as I’ve read so far. Much of what he comments on in his piece is exactly what I liked about the film but there ARE a few things I’d like to elaborate on.
The first thing that grabbed me was the somber atmosphere that was set by the early winter landscape, devoid of color, trees denuded by their seasonal cycle, all of which reinforced the isolation and poverty of the people living in this corner of Missouri’s Ozark mountains. Having grown up in the Great Lakes area of the U.S. I can tell you that this time of year is MOST depressing. Cold enough to freeze water at night but allowing only a cold drizzle during the day, every piece of detritus, every scrap of flotsam left by the residents of this sorry area, scattered around and in full view just waiting for the first snowfall to cover the ground to give things a small bit of frigid beauty.
Dinner? Best not ask
The people also reflect the landscape, care worn and tattered, tired and expressionless, reflecting the lack of possibilities for a measure of hope and happiness in their lives. In fact, in this corner of the mountains, where it seems that everyone is related somehow, it appears that the only growth opportunity is in “cooking meth”. Those who choose not to go this career path live a hand to mouth existence, hunting the surrounding woods for scraps of whatever game presents itself, rabbit, squirrel, or even a wandering canine or two
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Ree Dolly
"Teardrop" Dolly
But in the midst of this despair we find a bright shining presence in the person of 17 year old Ree Dolly, too young to have succumbed to the limited future but yet not ignorant of what her future may hold. More adult than her catatonic and chemically depressed mother Dolly sets out to find her missing father who put up the family home as bond and then skipped out, leaving the family on the verge of eviction. Despite the code of “family honor” though, Ree’s uncle “Teardrop” has to be coerced into helping her find his younger brother.
John Hawkes, as “Teardrop”, is just as impressive as is Ms. Lawrence, displaying an emotionally powerful range, from sudden anger and violence to tender sympathy for his niece’s situation. “Teardrop”, you see, has been involved in the drug trade with his brother, so if he decides to pursue Ree’s request for help it will mean jail for him or, worse yet, death at the hands of those who would wish to see this stain on family honor remain concealed, leaving Ree and her family as sacrificial lambs to keep the peace. And for me it it this powerful interplay between Ree and Teardrop that anchors the film.
My greatest fear about seeing this film was that it would leave me depressed, so I am giving you a “heads up” that you will find the conclusion of the film very satisfying although the road to get there is somewhat shocking and NOT for those easily upset. To say more would unfair to prospective viewers. I HIGHLY recommend this film.
“Winter’s Bone”: So Far The Best Of The Year
