Jennifer Lawrence is one powerhouse talent who has proved her mettle from her early days in Hollywood. The actress has given some of the most impressive performances in the last decade or so and also won an Oscar when she was only 22 for her incredible work in Silver Linings Playbook.
Before that, she impressed critics and audiences with her nuanced performance in The Poker House. However, her breakthrough role came with Debra Granik’s 2010 drama Winter’s Bone. Lawrence’s commitment and unique approach to the role won her the part against all other actresses at the time.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Natural Approach and Commitment Impressed Debra Granik
Early in her career, Jennifer Lawrence auditioned with many other actresses for the film adaptation of Daniel Woodrel’s book Winter’s Bone. Lawrence was determined to do whatever it took to get the part and she worked hard to impress everyone in the audition. She did not care about how she looked and continually worked on her character.
Speaking to Ocean County Register, director Debra Granik pointed out that Lawrence stood out from all the other actresses. While others gave more emphasis on their looks and outward appearance, Lawrence, on the other hand, had no makeup on, solely focused on the character and her commitment won over Granik, ultimately landing the part of Ree Dolly. Granik said,
“I think a lot of those young women showed up in skimpy outfits because they were taught that that is what gets noticed in Hollywood. I loved that Jennifer felt strong enough about the character to show up without makeup.
So many young women in this town are told that the only way to get ahead is to be sexy, but Jennifer, who is beautiful and sexy in real life, proved to me that her commitment and affection for this character was profound.”
Lawrence was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in the film, the second youngest actress ever to achieve the incredible feat at the time. The film showed the true potential of what Lawrence could pull off as an actress.
Jennifer Lawrence Was Greatly Inspired By Her Character in Winter’s Bone
Jennifer Lawrence played Ree Dolly in Winter’s Bone, a teenager living in a poverty-stricken home with her mother and younger siblings. Lawrence’s character faces against all odds to find her estranged father to save her family from being evicted from their home.
In an interview with Ocean County Register, Lawrence asserted that she really wanted to play Ree Dolly as the character was one of the best female protagonists she had ever witnessed. She also admired the strength and resilience that the character had. She said,
“I thought it was the best role I’ve seen for a female in a long time. Sometimes, I see something and I’ve got to have it. And those turn out to be the only movies I book. “It’s a young female protagonist that is not following around a man.
She has a strength that I wish I possessed,” she said. “I love playing characters I admire because it’s like Halloween. I get to dress up like them for six weeks. The action and dialogue is so real and so unrelenting. The movie doesn’t cater to anyone. That’s the kind of movie I like.”
The actress’s most recent film was the 2023 comedy No Hard Feelings. Critics and audiences appreciated Lawrence’s comic timing and her charming screen presence in the film. The actress received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the film.
