I’d bet good money you haven’t seen this little film which got Melissa Leo and writer/director Courtney Hunt Oscar nominations (Leo for Best Actress and Hunt for Best Original Screenplay). I didn’t want to see it at first, either, since the subject matter is so bleak—a destitute mother dabbles in human trafficking to earn money to buy her kids a new double-wide trailer for Christmas. Why would I want to spend the few extra dollars I have to watch a woman scrounge for change to feed her kids?
Because the movie is worth it. Leo kicks butt as Ray and deserves the nomination. There is no self-pity with her; she’s a mom who simply does whatever it takes to provide for her kids. She’s fierce and flinty and we don’t judge her actions because Leo makes it possible for us to understand her.
Now that the movie’s on DVD, it won’t cost you $30 to see it. If you’re still not convinced, I can email you the script so you can read it first and see why it was nominated (also, click here for my interview with co-star Misty Upham). The first 3 people on my subscribers list who correctly answer the following trivia question get a script.
TRIVIA QUESTION: Melissa Leo was chosen over which superstar for a role on All My Children back in 1984?
6 Comments
Julien
February 11, 2009 at 7:48 amHey, I wanted to see this movie as soon as I watched the trailer!
Here in France, it was released in theatrers a few weeks ago, and I have already planned to go and see it next Monday with my flatmate, yes Miss! 😉
To answer your question (see how much I love your contests?! ;), I think Julia Roberts is the one we’re looking for, ain’t she?
PS: I haven’t submit comments for a little while but don’t worry, I’m still a regular reader! 😉
Allison
February 11, 2009 at 8:52 amI think the answer is Julia Roberts too! I hope I’m right, I was sad I missed Frozen River in theaters!
EireGo
February 11, 2009 at 10:37 amI didn’t want to see it either(no stars and it’s about poor people in icy cold weather? WTF!), but I was forced by friends. I was really glad I did.
Okay, I didn’t have a clue on the trivia question, but, after seeing the other guesses…..JULIA ROBERTS?
FFBUFF8
February 11, 2009 at 10:52 amI finally went and was VERY pleasantly surprised. Still scratching my head about why Michael O’Keefe did the bit part, but really liked the film.
Julia Roberts was not what I was going to say, but the majority rules. Um, Julia Roberts?
ScriptPimp
February 11, 2009 at 11:06 amGREAT FILM! So much better than most of what Hollywood put out this year. TAKE THAT, CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON!!!
Julia Roberts!
ShelleyP
February 11, 2009 at 2:18 pmYes, Julia Roberts dipped out on the role of Linda Warner. I know it’s too late but thought I’d say Hello anyway! And no, I haven’t seen the movie yet but when it comes out on DVD here, I will since you are all rather glowy about it … {Ca va, Julien?}