Winter's Bone

The Independent Film movement has morphed into something very different in the last 15 or 20 years. It is no longer a movement of backyard shoots on shoestring budgets. At least not very often. "Independent" projects are more like "The Kids Are Alright" (see previous blog entry) Smaller budgets yes, but not shoestring. An independent film these days is likely to have a big name or three (Benning, Moore and Ruffalo) and have a studio seal of approval. It's more about an actor finding more challenging material and studios trolling for awards. They're still good movies, grittier subject matter, fine acting and writing. But it ain't like it used to be.
But sometimes there's a throw back, and "Winter's Bone" is a throw back. It's also my favorite film of the year so far. You won't recognize the names or the faces. That's a good thing. It will allow you to immerse yourself in the world, a world you've never been to before. A world that exists within the borders of this country but that you need to be born to in order to know it. In that way, there is a spiritual kinship with films like "Frozen River". It may be even better, and that's saying something.
The place is the Ozark mountains of Missouri. It's dirt poor but there are rules. Neighbors help neighbors but you don't ask for it. You don't trust the law and you keep your mouth shut. Squirrel isn't a pest, it's a meal, and kin is kin-can't change that. That's the world of Ree Dolly, 17, taking care of two young siblings and a Mom who's had a psychotic break. Her father's been arrested again on drug charges and is facing years in jail. He's put up the house as bond and now he's missing. If he jumps bail, the house is gone and they're out "in the fields like dogs". So now Ree's got to find him and that ain't gonna be easy.
That search reveals a world that has been utterly unseen to an audience; a world filled with tough moral choices and low behavior, and a people who can't afford to do the right thing but do it anyway. It's a society where the woman do the heavy lifting and stick together when they can, even in the face of abuse. There's little to make these people happy except maybe their music. It's an amazing story, in an amazing world and it's one of the best films of the year. Told honestly and simply-no tricks, it became the Sundance Film Festival audience favorite. Easy to see why. It's what independent filmmaking should be. And a young woman named Jennifer Lawrence gives a performance that is stunning. If the world was fair this would be an easy award nominee. Easy. I can only hope. Directed brilliantly by Debra Granik, you should seek this movie out, in the theaters or soon probably on pay-per-view. You won't be disappointed.