How far does winters bone rely on understanding of context

Winters bone features a broken family, the eldest daughter Ree is left to care for her younger siblings when her mother falls ill and father is on the run from the law. In a modern society this may be alarming, but as it is unravelled in the film, it becomes clear that this is common in the Ozark. Understanding the context of the area the film is based in is important to understanding their view of life.

 In this sequence we see the children shooting their own food to eat, this is an abnormal necessity for young children however in this society it is required of them.

Your prior knowledge of the context of the film may alter your understanding of their living conditions however it is more important that you take on an active viewing, to fully grasp the realities of their society and hierarchy.

Throughout the film there is no non diegetic sound, the lack of music highlights on the emptiness or loneliness the children feel.

A new perspective - short film

Original ideas

In the beginning we wanted to create a horror film, where a girl stalks a boy and kills him after falling in love with him and he doesn’t feel the same way. We decided to change our idea as it was too difficult to film and we would rather come up with an idea with a real message.


Synopsis/Screenplay

POV person 1
Walking down the road, sees person 2 on other side of he road

POV person 2
Walking into school, sees person 1 with friend 1
“You alright Molly”

POV person 1
talking to friend 2, gestures towards person 2
“Party was a bit ruined last night”

POV person 2
Runs out of classroom, snaps pencil

POV person 1
Friend 2 : anger issues

POV person 2
walking towards train tracks

POV person 1
following person 2 to train tracks

POV person 2
Sees person 1 with hand out

Cinematic Ideas

We have decided to do a social realism film, highlighting on suicide prevention. We showcase bullying within schools and how easily a persons pain can be ignored. The way we have done this is showing two peoples perspectives, one person who has a regular happy life and another who is struggling with depression. Originally we planned to use split screen but we have since decided to match up the shots. The happy persons view is seen very warmly lit, whereas the sad persons is cold and blue.
The use of point of view shots can demonstrate how a persons every day actions can amount to something larger. This allows for other characters to be seen in the background of the other people’s perspectives.

Narrative Ideas

In our film starts with a conflict between the two main characters, one bullies the other. Throughout the film we see person 2 becoming more upset/angry and person 1 notices. Person 2 is found trying to climb onto train tracks, person 1 finds her and helps her down. The way we have written this will present how subtle the signs of suicidal thoughts can be.
We have decided to use the idea of teen suicide to bring awareness to how easily we can help others,
even if we aren’t close to them.