Movie Review: Winter's Bone
"Winter's Bone" takes place in The Ozarks, a mountainous, wooded region of Missouri where the people are dirt poor and the meth business is prosperous. It's an unflattering portrayal, but brutally realistic.
Jennifer Lawrence stars as Ree Dolly, a 17 year old who has to take care of her two younger siblings amidst the harsh environment of the Ozarks. We soon find out that Ree's father, Jesup, is a meth cooker. Jesup has gone missing, and he put the family's house and surrounding land up for bond; if he doesn't show up for his court date, the family will lose everything. Ree, then, has the arduous task of having to hunt him down. The first half hour of the film involves Ree trekking across the stark landscape, house to house, asking her neighbors if they know anything. Apparently, just showing up at a neighbor's doorstep is considered a great offense by quite a few in this area, and the line between friend and foe is never clear.
She does eventually find an ally in her callous, yet ultimately caring uncle, Teardrop (John Hawkes). Together, they try to figure out where her father might be or, if he's dead, what happened. Throughout all of this, Ree's younger siblings are shown lounging around the house, bored to tears. They jump on trampolines, climb on bails of hay, or just lie around to occupy their time, seemingly just waiting to grow up to either join the meth trade or the Army.
Having recently seen "True Grit", it was impossible for me not to draw comparisons between the strong wills of the two female leads. But while Ree Dolly has all of the determination of Maddi Ross, she has none of the naiveté. No, Ree Dolly is hardened to the territory, and knows exactly how rough the people of her community really are. She has no qualms with telling people she's scared of them, despite never showing it on her face. Hats off to Jennifer Lawrence.
Overall, "Winter's Bone" is an impressive film, if just in showing the ravages of methamphetamine on a rural area. The plot never really progresses in a satisfying way, and the climax (or lack thereof) left me a bit underwhelmed. However, in terms painting a picture of a culture I knew almost nothing about, it was very well done.
Incredibly well thought out, well written review. Having just watched the film a few days ago, I'm still formulating my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI too wasn't overly impressed with the film, but I suspect that a lot of this might have to do with the fact that I watched it through the lens of "this is a Best Picture nominee" and all the baggage that comes with that knowledge (something that 'The Fighter' suffered from as well). I'd love to be able to put that all aside, but the fact remains that were it not for the nomination, this probably wouldn't be my kind of movie.
As a general rule, I don't enjoy stories that have a lot to do with drugs and the grungy aesthetic and art direction is a challenge for me to get past. However, you are correct in saying that Jennifer Lawrence puts in an incredible performance that 100% earns her nomination.
Keep up the awesome work as I really enjoy reading your thoughts.
Thanks JP!
ReplyDeleteI agree, this certainly isn't an "enjoyable" movie, but at the same time, it's not an enjoyable situation being portrayed. Not that that means much if you're looking to enjoy a movie, but I suppose sometimes you have to look past the entertainment factor (No one enjoys Schindler's List- and if they do, you should be concerned!). I guess it all depends on what you're looking to get out of a film.
Interesting point about looking at it through the "Best Picture" lens- I never really thought about the (probably unfair) expectations placed on movies nominated for Best Picture. In fact, I probably would have appreciated this and "The Fighter" much more if I didn't have those Oscar expectations. I guess it's best to see them before they're nominated? I know this one came out a WHILE ago.
Ah well, I think we can both agree that there was at least one movie that would have been a better best pic nominee *cough*HARRY POTTER*cough*. Haha, I guess some movies will just never be recognized for the cinematic brilliance that they are!
Well after tonight's ceremonies, I really think Harry Potter will get it's due next year. I think at the very least it'll get a nomination and win for Art Direction and Visual effects for Deathly Hallows Part 2, and I'm hoping at least a nomination for Best Picture and David Yates. I really think next year will be Harry Potter's year as it's the finale. I think it will get honored as a whole achievement, like Return of the King was more a win for the entire series.
ReplyDeleteI really hope you're right JP, although there's no precedent for HP being even nominated for any big awards like picture/directing/acting, like LOTR was for each film. I think at least a best pic NOM (there's TEN for heaven's sake!) would be totally deserving.
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