Barely out of adolescence but already boasting a connection to acting legend Marcello Mastroianni (she received his namesake prize as best emerging actress of the 2008 Venice Film Festival). Do not expect to see Jennifer on a kid's channel or a made-for-teens-but-watched-by-adults shows; while she has been a presence on television (The Bill Engvall Show , a sitcom cancelled a few months ago), she is now the darling of the big screen.

Winter's Bone.

At the recent Sundance festival her leading role in Winter's Bone and its critical acclaim seemed to be the confirmation of the bigger things to come; the film went on to receive the Grand Jury prize for drama and Jennifer got to receive much attention from the industry and film fans alike.

A few scenes from Winter's Bones.

Just do expect any displays of first-time nerves or excitement for Jennifer is anything but a newcomer. "I’ve had a career since I was 14, I pay my own rent, I live on my own, and I’m not going to have a lot in common with somebody who’s my age. And I know I sound like a jerk, but what are we going to talk about? Prom? I didn’t go to prom. Or your boyfriend? I’m working — all the time.”

Winter's Bone.

Looking at her earlier career another particularly strong role stands out, alongside Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger in The Burning Plain (directorial debut by the writer of Amores Perros and 21 Grams). A dark pyromaniac teenager who flees with her lover after the accidental murder of her own mother... Not what one would expect from those big blue eyes?

The Burning Plain.

"“If you see any movie that I’m in, you’ll want to cut yourself. These are very dark roles. So when people see the movies, they don’t think it makes sense that I grew up in Kentucky, and my parents are still married and they love each other. But I’m the least dramatic person you’ll ever meet.”

Winter's Bone.

Aurelie Bellavigna

Source: NYT

Credits: B&W shot courtesy of W Magazine

All stills courtesy of The Burning Plain and Winter's Bone