FILM · 2010 · USA
Winter's Bone
12 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Oct 2026
12 Interesting Facts About Winter's Bone
Interesting Facts (6)
- #001
Sergeant Russell Schalk, who plays the army recruiter, really was a military recruiter and a combat veteran of the 1st Cavalry Division; Jennifer Lawrence asked him in-character questions and he answered as if talking to a real recruit.
- #002
For authenticity, most supporting players were locals. The girl who plays Ree's sister lived in the area, and the outside of her house in the film was her real home. Everyone's clothes were also locals' own clothes; residents were even given brand-new outfits in exchange for the worn ones the actors wore.
- #003
Gail and Ree's relationship is explored in much more depth in the book; director Debra Granik said they shot many Gail/Ree scenes but had to cut them for time.
- #004
The two chicks Teardrop gives Sonny and Ashlee aren't cute pets but real assets once they become chickens at 4-5 months. Their value depends on their sex, which is hard to tell in chicks: two males means meat but no eggs, while one of each means more chicks.
- #005
Garret Dillahunt and John Hawkes had already worked together on Deadwood (2004).
- #006
It's Lauren Sweetser's first film.
Characters & Cast (3)
- #007
Jennifer Lawrence was first turned down as Ree for being "too pretty." She took a red-eye to New York, walked 13 blocks through sleet to the casting office and auditioned with a runny nose and hair she hadn't washed in a week. She got the part, and it earned her a first Oscar nomination (Best Actress) at 20.
- #008
To play Ree Dolly, Jennifer Lawrence had to learn to skin squirrels, chop wood and fight.
- #009
Thump Milton, played by Ron 'Stray Dog' Hall, wears a jacket with a patch that says "stray dog."
Deeper Meaning (1)
- #010
Ree inspired the Star Trek Beyond (2016) character Jaylah, whose name comes from Jennifer Lawrence ("J-Law").
Career & Awards (2)
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- IMDb
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