Frozen River….Melissa who?

There were a few raised eyebrows out Hollywood way when virtual no-name Melissa Leo was nominated for best actress for a little known film called Frozen River at this year’s Oscars. She was up against some serious competition and most didn’t give her a chance in hell of winning. Firstly, most had not even bothered watching Frozen River, and secondly, shock-horror, this actress is in her forties! Heck, the woman is pushing 50! How can this be?! Surely there was some mistake. An actress only has a shelf life of 30-odd years before she is deemed irrelevant in modern Hollywood and for an actress to find fame after 40 is unheard of.

Well, to hell with that outdated nonsense because as it turns out, Melissa Leo shines. Her performance, and this cracker of a movie deserved their place amongst the Academy’s finest. Hell, I’d go so far as saying that Melissa’s performance was very close to the best of the bunch…possibly only marginally behind Kate Winslet.

Frozen River is a tight little thriller, full of subtle nuance and naturalistic tone. And that is what sets it apart. Achieving a naturalistic performance from an actor has to be one of the toughest challenges in film making. Very few actors can pull it off and very few film makers can induce it. Mike Leigh, Hal Hartley, Ken Loach…these directors are masters at it, but they are in an elite group. Melissa Leo gives one of the most naturalistic performances in years and it puts Frozen River up there with one of the best films in recent memory.

Those expecting a dull, drone Indie borefest are in for a real surprise, as Frozen River is tense, suspenseful and moves at a nice steady pace. Next time you are stumped for choice at your local Blockbuster, or can’t find a decent film on Netflix, dig past some the safe choices and give Frozen River a chance. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.