Director: Courtney Hunt
Run Time: 97 min
Rating: R
Rating: R
Viewer Bias: 8
As a former student of film, I have a soft spot for productions that are nominated for Academy Awards. The only reason this particular film caught my interest was based on lead actress Melissa Leo's Oscar nomination for "best actress" and director/screenwriter Courtney Hunt's nomination for "best screenplay written directly for the screen." Therefore, I already place this film on a higher pedestal. Additionally, this film is shot similarly to "The Wrestler" which can bore some audiences although I feel it provides some authenticity to the screen.
Direction: 9
"Frozen River" is Courtney Hunt's first production as a feature film director and it is a fantastic initial entry. Everything in the film molds together and flows with incredible grace. Normally a film that is essentially a family drama set in a northern climate tends to waver on the boring side, but Hunt is able to latch and maintain viewer attention with her writing, camera work, and obvious skillful work with actors. A fantastic first film.
Editing: 8
The continuity and attention-grabbing charm of "Frozen River" is thanks to its wonderful editing. Editor Kate Williams understands the importance of pacing in a film and understands how long to hold a shot in a given moment and circumstance. By allowing the camera to rest on an actor for just a second longer than what feels comfortable allows the acting - if it's good - to shine through and this cast does in spades.
Acting: 8
Melissa Leo provides a better performance in this picture than Kate Winslet in "The Reader." In fact, "Frozen River" is a much better film as well. Leo invokes a genuineness in her character - Ray Eddy - in almost the same way Mickey Rourke showcased a defeated man in "Randy 'The Ram' Robinson" in "The Wrestler." Playing a struggling mother of two children who was recently abandoned and robbed by her husband, Leo conveys the shear desperation and maturity of a woman forced to conduct illegal business for the betterment of her family. Supporting actress Misty Upham also plays a wonderfully dynamic character in Lila Littlewold. She provokes anger, hatred, and sympathy from the audience. This is a gifted cast with great direction.
Writing: 9
There are few other films where you can find more honest and genuine dialogue. Every line feels appropriate and Hunt understands that sometimes silence is the best choice. However, there is no grand, inspirational monologue here, jut plain hearted writing straight from the heart to the screen.
Story: 7
The story is not anything that seems too out of the ordinary as it basically boils down to a typical family drama surrounding the desperate need for money during none other than Christmas. However, the Leo's serendipitous meeting with Upham takes the film on a tangent with an interesting twist. The interesting juxtaposition between Leo's hardships and illegal immigrants risking their lives and any security they have to come to America calls into question the very luxuries we enjoy every day. Many subtleties in both the story and overall production is the charm of "Frozen River."
Cinematography: 6
The cinematography is appropriate, but is hardly memorable. There are several "reflection" shots in mirrors which is just about the oldest trick in the book, but a nice touch since a majority of the viewing audiences will never pick up on what it signifies. Nevertheless, there isn't much you can do with a snowy up-state New York landscape.
Special Effects: 6
There aren't special effects and there is no cause for any in a film like this. However, there were a few scenes that were way too dark for me to make any sense of. I'm not sure if it was my TV or perhaps the lighting during production.
Music: 7
The music was rarely present. I think that perhaps there was little by way of a soundtrack or maybe since the story and production does such a good job of captivating the audience that the lack of music is hardly noticeable. I still wouldn't run out to buy the soundtrack or even care to hear any of it again.
Wow Factor: 7
Once again it was a delightful surprise to take a typical family drama in turn it into a mildly suspenseful adventure that maintains a viewer's interest. There are a few moments of legitimate danger and genuine suspense that warrants a slight spectacle. Of course the appropriate twist is made in the film's climax and resolves the story in somewhat of an expected manner.
Movie - 75
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