Limacher Low Down: I wanted to start by thanking the Academy for enlightening me to a movie that I hadn’t heard about until the nominations came out. Winter’s Bone was well acted and told a great story. I felt a real connection to the characters, and the story told was beyond what I was expecting. Winter’s Bone introduced me to an environment I had no real previous knowledge of, and it opened my eyes to the way things are outside my realm of understanding. Everything about the film was depressing, dark, and yet down-right amazing. I am proud to say I actually watched this movie, and it’s something I won’t soon forget.
Winter’s Bone is the story of Ree (Jennifer Lawrence) a 17 year old girl taking care of her younger siblings and somewhat catatonic mother. Ree finds out early on that her father, Jessup, was released on bond from prison and when Sherriff Baskin (Garrett Dillahunt) tells her how he was able to bond out, Ree takes it upon herself to find Jessup. Though this takes place in a modern setting, these people are poor and rely on cooking meth and meager farming to afford what they have: thus Ree actually walks from place to place in search of her father.
Ree’s journey to find Jessup leads her to several supporting characters, Gail (Lauren Sweester) who attempts to help, but does not have the means. Ree even seeks out someone she has avoided for years, Teardrop (John Hawkes). Teardrop is a gritty man who has no wanton need or desire to help Ree find her father and he rapidly sends her on her way. She finally makes her way to the “head” of the community, Merab (Dale Dickey) who tells Ree that she best move along and leave things alone, or she will regret her choices.
Every road turns up the same result, nothing. People start to get upset that Ree is asking so many questions about Jessup, and they tell Ree to give up. But Ree soon realizes that the only way to help her family, and herself, is by continuing her search for Jessup.
Ree gets a visit from Teardrop who attempts to console Ree and do what he feels is best for the family as well. Ree, still not happy with her progress, seeks out Thump Milton (Ronnie Hall) and sees if she can get some answers out of him. Ree learns the hard way to listen when people say stop, but Teardrop ensures that she remain safe. Teardrop then takes it upon himself to tell Ree the story of Jessup and what he believes may be going on in the community. Teardrop and Ree search for answers, but will they ever get the answers they are looking for?
Winter’s Bone does a great job of expressing emotion and giving a greater understanding of people and the lives that they live. This movie takes you into these people’s lives and portrays a community that most people don’t care to know exists. I was amazed by the acting skills that Jennifer Lawrence portrayed, being in every scene. John Hawkes makes the most of his limited screen time, and shows that he has grown from his time in Deadwood. Everything about this film is just depressing, but when the credits roll it gives a sense of amazement of what you just witnessed.
