Uncompomising is a word thats bandied around too freely these days. It seems to be applied to any film with darker than normal subject matter, especially if they happen to be 'indie' films. But uncompromising is exactly what Debra Granik's work here is. The self-assured director doesn't shy away from the grotesque or macabre aspects of life for these mountain folk. It's uncomfortable viewing at times, and so it should be, we're not watching The Waltons.
Winter's Bone is shot beautifully on location in the remote Ozark Mountains near the Missouri/Arkansas border. The cinematography makes use of the natural light available as much as possible and the resulting muted, flat tones capture the bleak, broken spirit of the area. The music is straight-forward, simplistic and compliments the narrative without calling for our attention or distracting us from the story. Nick Cave's soundtrack to The Road achieved much the same results. It is the fantastic performances however, that really glue all these elements together to form something brilliant. Walter Salles used the local Peruvians to great effect when he cast them as extras in The Motorcycle Diaries. The same technique is used here by Debra Granik with numerous cast members being natives of the Ozark Mountains. Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes both give stellar performances here in the lead roles, Lawrence in particular is captivating and thoroughly believable as the vulnerable heroine, Ree.
At 17 years old, Ree Dolly is the sole bread-winner and carer for her family. Her two siblings, twelve year old Sonny and six year old Ashlee, as well as their mentally ill Mother, all live together in little more than a shack. They survive in abject poverty by shooting and eating squirrels. Their home and the few possessions they have come under threat when the local Sheriff knocks on their door. It seems Ree's Father, a wanted criminal, has used their home and all their assets as collateral for his bail and promptly disappeared. She has one week to find him or everything they own will be taken. She sets out to confront her Fathers friends and acquaintances in an effort to find his whereabouts. These people all form a 'Hillbilly Mafia' of sorts, a world where people make a living cooking up Crystal Meth and dealing Oxycontin. Putting her own life in danger, she pushes on for the sake of her family. Eventually the truth, or part of it, is revealed.
Having won two jury prizes at both Berlinale and Sundance Film Festivals, rumours are already circulating about this films Oscar chances. John Hawkes as Teardrop and newcomer Jennifer Lawrence as Ree Dolly certainly deserve academy recognition for their strong performances. Also worthy of note is the sparse cinematography of Michael McDonagh. Needless to say, if you're a film fan you owe it to yourself to go see something so bleak, harrowing and desolate that ultimately leaves you feeling hopeful. A rare treat.
Winter's Bone is shot beautifully on location in the remote Ozark Mountains near the Missouri/Arkansas border. The cinematography makes use of the natural light available as much as possible and the resulting muted, flat tones capture the bleak, broken spirit of the area. The music is straight-forward, simplistic and compliments the narrative without calling for our attention or distracting us from the story. Nick Cave's soundtrack to The Road achieved much the same results. It is the fantastic performances however, that really glue all these elements together to form something brilliant. Walter Salles used the local Peruvians to great effect when he cast them as extras in The Motorcycle Diaries. The same technique is used here by Debra Granik with numerous cast members being natives of the Ozark Mountains. Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes both give stellar performances here in the lead roles, Lawrence in particular is captivating and thoroughly believable as the vulnerable heroine, Ree.
At 17 years old, Ree Dolly is the sole bread-winner and carer for her family. Her two siblings, twelve year old Sonny and six year old Ashlee, as well as their mentally ill Mother, all live together in little more than a shack. They survive in abject poverty by shooting and eating squirrels. Their home and the few possessions they have come under threat when the local Sheriff knocks on their door. It seems Ree's Father, a wanted criminal, has used their home and all their assets as collateral for his bail and promptly disappeared. She has one week to find him or everything they own will be taken. She sets out to confront her Fathers friends and acquaintances in an effort to find his whereabouts. These people all form a 'Hillbilly Mafia' of sorts, a world where people make a living cooking up Crystal Meth and dealing Oxycontin. Putting her own life in danger, she pushes on for the sake of her family. Eventually the truth, or part of it, is revealed.
Having won two jury prizes at both Berlinale and Sundance Film Festivals, rumours are already circulating about this films Oscar chances. John Hawkes as Teardrop and newcomer Jennifer Lawrence as Ree Dolly certainly deserve academy recognition for their strong performances. Also worthy of note is the sparse cinematography of Michael McDonagh. Needless to say, if you're a film fan you owe it to yourself to go see something so bleak, harrowing and desolate that ultimately leaves you feeling hopeful. A rare treat.