“Winter’s Bone” Reworks Classic Film Noir Formula

If you’re a fan of film noir, then you’re aware that the genre generally follows a standard format.  There is usually some kind or murder or disappearance which prompts a woman to hire investigator, who she tasks with finding out all the facts.  At first she seems innocent, but this woman tends to seduce our hero into placing himself in dangerous situations.  He goes with the flow mainly because his curiosity has gotten the best of him, though once he really starts delving into the details, he discovers a complex web of corruption and scandal connected to important businessmen, politicians, or even the woman herself.  In some noir stories these facts they are released to the public where the cause serious damage, while in others they lead to tragedy as those involved are killed, and our investigator walks away, the only person aware of the true events that transpired.

Debra Granik’s gritty indie drama “Winter’s Bone” takes this classic film noir template and tweaks it to suit the backwoods of Missouri quite adeptly.  Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) finds her back up against the wall when she learns her drug addict father has placed their home up as collateral to a bail bondsman.  The teenage girl, who is charged with caring for her mentally ill mother and two younger siblings, stands to lose everything if she cannot find her father in time for his court date.

Out of necessity, Ree reluctantly takes on the role of investigator, as she marches through the wilderness in search of her father.  Since he was known to consort with other drug using members of the Dolly clan, Ree tries reaching out to various members of her family for help, including her uncle Teardrop (John Hawkes).   She meets with nothing but contempt from her secretive family, who discourages her from asking questions about her father’s whereabouts.  Ree’s desperation pushes her even harder to find answers, which places her in grave danger, when she learns more than she bargains for about the Dollys’ dark dealings.

Jennifer Lawrence wows as the stalwart Ree Dolly, a teenager with interminable strength of character.   She is quick tongued, brave, and determined to take care of her siblings in an admirable way.  Since her mom is ill, Ree takes on the role of mother with impressive skill for someone of her age.  Her backbone and ability to make tough adult choices make her one of the strongest female characters in recent film history.

As the writer and director, Debra Granik does a superb job of creating danger and fear with the isolation she crafts in these backcountry Missouri woods.  She adapts the classic film noir template successfully to suit Ree’s story, while simultaneously creating a scary portrait of rural America, where crime and corruption run just as rampant as in its cities.  Ree’s quest takes you on a dark journey through this world that you won’t be able to look away from.

My Grade: A