Winter’s Bone Close-Up (“Squirrel Gutting” Sequence)

Overview

The “Squirrel Gutting” sequence of Winter’s Bone (Debra Granik, 2010) displays Ree, Ashlee, and Sonny hunting for a squirrel to eat. This sequence serves to trounce the patriarchal preconceptions towards this duty, as she nurtures her siblings to thrive in the unforgiving land of the Ozarks.

Key Elements, Context, and Representation

The scene opens with a wide shot filmed on a long lens that displays a centrally-framed Ree wielding a hunting rifle, with Ashlee and Sonny intimately nestled by her side. This immediately subverts the patriarchal associations towards men wielding weapons. Ree simultaneously attends to the maternal duty of nurturing her siblings to thrive in the wild, alongside the paternal duty of administering the hunting. Sonny’s actor sneeze in a manner that appears to be ‘off-script’, to which Ree responds with a naturalistic “bless you” – an ad-libbed yet intimate moment that develops the bond between the siblings.

Diegetic ambience is layered alongside the hushed voices of the characters in the sound mix, reflecting their anticipation towards killing the squirrel. Ashlee interestingly shows heightened interested in learning the art of hunting than Sonny – a notion that is representative of the next generation of women replacing and trouncing the typically patriarchal duties held by men. Ashlee pulls the trigger of the rifle with no reluctance, emphasising her willingness to learn the methods of survival.

We then cut to the family gathered around an outside table as they prepare to skin the squirrel in preparation for cooking it. A low-angle shot of Sonny looking up to Ree illustrates the fact that she is imparting her knowledge of survival onto him. Sonny is notably squeamish towards touching the squirrel’s guts, emasculating him and supporting the feminist ideology that the film strives for. Ree ultimately teaches a practical life lesson to Sonny, fulfilling the parental role that Jessop never could.

Ree nurturing her siblings in the means of survival

Following this, we cut to Ree slicing logs – a typically masculine duty. The viewer is able to discern Ree’s uncle, Teardrop, looming in the background of the scene, representing the oppressive male force that hinders Ree’s ability to thrive. A focus pull is implemented to draw our attention towards him as he edges closer to Ree. Teardrop’s appearance is notably scruffy and ragged, displaying the impoverished atmosphere of the Ozarks. A simple shot/reverse shot sequence is employed throughout this scene, as opposed to a low/high angle shot alternation. This indicates that the power dynamic between Ree and Teardrop is equal, aligning with the feminist ideology the film conveys. He informs her of Jessop’s car being burned, to which Ree maintains a stoic expression. She does not react emotionally and dramatically, which is to be expected of the female stereotype portrayed throughout Hollywood. This emphasises Ree’s strengthened resilience she has garnered after becoming the house’s caregiver. Finally, Ree adamantly refuses the drugs offered to her by Teardrop, which is indicative of her mental fortitude over Teardrop, who is reliant on the drugs. She acts as a role model for her siblings, leading them along a path of purity despite the fact that her mother, father, and uncle are all involved with drugs.