Analysis Of Winters Bone

Set in the dreary backcountry of Missouri, isolated and separated from main stream society the Ozark’s are home to another world, one left behind where modern technology is no where in sight, and methamphetamine flourishes in a devastated economy. It is also home to Ree Dolly. “Winters Bone” follows the journey of this extraordinary 17 year old who proves that heroes don’t just come out of picture books, but rather they are just ordinary people put in difficult predicaments and must rise to face their circumstances. Ree asks for nothing, relying on the sparse kindness of neighbors she makes a life for her, her two younger siblings and her emotional stunted and mentally absent mother. Yet it is clear poverty is not the issue, the initial conflict

As David Denby’s critique states “the Plainness never goes slack”. Much of this can be attributed to cinematographer Michael McDonough who captured the films mysterious tone through the lens of a camera. His virtuostic use of focus gives life not only to the actors, but to the scenery as well. Old cars ,abandoned houses, and broken farm equipment all portray a story of past life giving the film an air of sentimentalism. Created through “suggestion, and half finished sentences” the film itself is profoundly tense and an aura of underlying violence and anger is always present in the extremely authentic characters that Ree encounters on her quest. Granik envelops the reader in the mystery of the past, but staying true to the feel of the film she gives away nothing. The impeccable performances put on by Jennifer Lawrence(Ree),and John Hawkes (Teardrop) must not go without notice. Lawrence's ever burning energy keeps the film alive, and Hawkes embodied hangdog expression perfectly and brought an unusual balance of menace and tenderness. Teardrops moments of kindness were spots of color on a black canvass. Finally to supplement the good acting and exquisite cinematography, the sound track was eloquent aiding the performance where necessary, but at the same time not overused. The music matched the authentic feel the film has and the tone matched that of the