Review of True Grit (2010) by Brett C — 15 Dec 2014

Review In A Nutshell:

It is rare for a film that was previously cherished to lose some of its affection, as usually I am the type who finds the beauty of those that was previously misunderstood. True Grit in my eyes before was a near perfect film, but I think I felt that way during the time because of my then limited knowledge of the Western genre and usually the first few films that one sees from the genre would become the reference point for all other films. Now in my second viewing, I was able to find certain flaws that were covered by its sweeping atmosphere and hard-edged characters, leaving me a bit underwhelmed as compared to the directors' greater films; No Country For Old Men and Fargo.

In a Coen brothers film, it is common to find well explored themes, some recurring, and it is these cinematic depths that allows their stories valuable and stand out. True Grit is not as thematically dense as the other films that I mentioned earlier, and because of this, I wasn't able to gain that sense of satisfaction from this tale of revenge and self-worth. I felt the film did not expose enough of the characters or the story for me to chew on long after the film has ended; once True Grit ended, so was my attention. Though, the film is not completely empty in its themes as obviously the ideas of revenge and justice are in display, along with moments that touches on the male ego and how that ultimately affects their purpose and values. But like I said, the film doesn't do enough with it for me to heavily contemplate on. I also had a problem with the film's primary antagonist Tom Chaney who did not come off as threatening as I expected him to be and his purpose towards the deeper aspects of the film felt underdeveloped.

In saying all these flaws, it may seem unreasonable for my score to be so generous, but this was one of the rare times where its superficial elements were strong enough for me to be swept away and produce a worthwhile experience. True, the film lacked the intelligence that was expected from a Coen brothers film but it makes up for it with an immersive atmosphere of its time period; dazzling me right down to the costumes and props. Roger Deakins, the film's director of photography captures the environment in such a natural way that at times I forget that it was a period piece. There have been a few Western films in recent years that match the scope and detail that True Grit has but none of them have completely wrapped me, as they always left me in awareness of the fact that I am viewing it from a screen. True Grit does not over-emphasise the elements of its genre, instead it uses it to shape the physical qualities of its characters; keeping our attention on them at all times. The film also features interesting and humorous dialogue, a trademark of the brothers, and through that it keeps its audience engaged, even during the quieter moments.

The cherry on top of True Grit's visual beauty is the gorgeous musical score by Carter Burwell, driven by the soft and tender sounds of his piano. It created a sense of sadness to the world that these characters are in, and possibly connected to the pitiful demons that lurk beneath its male individuals. It doesn't at all self-gratifying like a classic Western film and understands its intentions are on the characters, not beyond it.

True Grit features fine performances from Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld, featuring wonderful chemistry, particularly during the earlier areas of the film. Bridges brings a similar feel to his character like the one in The Big Lebowski, but with a slurring lower register, and a much dirtier physical appearance. One can see Bridges is having fun here but stays committed to the role, ensuring that he is still taken seriously regardless of his sometimes comedic remarks. Steinfeld stood out due to her firm attitude and articulate speech; it allows her to create a sense of dominance towards her male companions, forcing us to see beyond her childlike physicality. Matt Damon is also a prominent cast member in this but I felt his character was not as outstanding, playing a man that is "appropriate" to the world around him. The same statement could go to Josh Brolin and his performance, delivering that is less satisfying to those playing the central protagonist; sometimes leaving me in a blank when retrospectively recalling his role in the film.

True Grit could have been more ambitious in its themes and ideas but this flaw does not prevent the film from being an entertaining and immersive watch. Simply view this, sit back and let the visuals and music take you in a world that has long passed.