[psycho d]

Frozen River (2008). This bleak and tense drama is a testament of the great American dream as it circles the drain. The first scene is a powerfully slow, almost tedious pan that sets the emotional tone of this flick. This tale of the cultures clashing, in admirable low-rent style and amidst a harsh winter backdrop, takes the crumbs that life has to offer as if they are life-sustaining victuals because they are just that. Of course, there is always a shortcut over to the greener side, and this is where the film's plot comes to tempt warmth in its frozen landscape. The acting was sublime, with Melissa Leo giving the performance of a lifetime. She simply nails the love-driven desperation of a mother put to odds that must somehow rise up to provide. Courtney Hunt's directorial debut was smashing, with enough awards to smother the mantelpiece. The camera worked its magic such that the cold realities of life radiated out onto the viewer. Not a flick for those tending towards despondency, for those of stronger constitutions this might well be worth a go. Merci beaucoup.
Genruk