Review of True Grit (2010) by Andrew M — 22 Jul 2013

Westerns were all the rage during the birth and growth of film itself, but it wasn't until the 1960s and 70s that they really grew popular. The "spaghetti westerns," movies made in Italy or Spain, but with American actors, most notably Sergio Leone's trilogy of Westerns featuring the legendary Clint Eastwood. Another notable Western was 1969's True Grit, based on the novel of the same name. The film starred John Wayne and was directed by Henry Hathaway, which earned the former both a Golden Globe and Academy Award win for Best Actor. 41 years later, the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan, would retell the famous Charles Portis story in fantastic action, complete with perfect acting, well-written dialogue, and an amazing atmosphere.

Retelling the story of the Charles Portis novel and the 1969 film, True Grit is the tale of 14 year old Mattie Ross. Recently, Mattie's father was murdered by one of his own hands, Tom Chaney. Unhappy and looking for vengeance for her father's murder, Mattie decides to hire a U.S. Marshal to hunt down Chaney and have him hanged for what he had done. Ultimately, Mattie chooses Rooster Cogburn, as he has been described as having "true grit." Cogburn is a one-eyed, gun slinging alcoholic, but is supposedly the meanest in the business.

Along the way on their hunt for Chaney and his gang, Mattie and Cogburn come across Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who is also hunting Chaney, albeit it for the murder of a Texas senator instead of the murder of Mattie's father. LaBoeuf soon joins Cogburn and Mattie on their manhunt, although they don't always get along in their opinions and views. They ultimately have to work together, however, in order to bring Chaney to justice.

What's great about this iteration of True Grit is the fact that it is a closer adaptation of Portis' story than the 1969 film. This is thanks to the absolutely superb script from the screenwriting duo of Joel and Ethan Coen, who also directed this wonderful movie. The dialogue between characters is fantastic, and really keeps you interested in the wonderful story. Arguments are tense, conversations are interesting, and everything all around keeps you intrigued throughout.

Even better than fantastic writing, the acting delivers the script perfectly. Jeff Bridges really plays Rooster Cogburn with fantastic charisma, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Bridges' Cogburn is taciturn and fascinating, rivaling the performance of the legendary John Wayne himself. Matt Damon, one of Hollywood's best actors today, plays LaBoeuf very well also. Damon's performance is very strong, and it's just great when he and Bridges get to clash verbally. Neither of these two fantastic actors steal the show, however: that credit goes to little Hailee Steinfeld herself, who is unbelievably fantastic as Mattie Ross. One of the youngest young ladies to be nominated for an Oscar, Steinfeld certainly deserved the nomination, and should have won. Her portrayal of Mattie was headstrong and confident, something portrayed amazingly by such a young girl.

Directors Joel and Ethan Coen (yes, the screenwriters as well) really nailed the atmosphere of the Wild West with True Grit. Cinematographer Roger Deakins really chooses his shots well, and gives a perfect visual representation of the Wild West, without being too artistic and pretentious. The sets are well designed and really fit into the time period. In fact, everything fits into the time period, right down to the firearms used by the heroes.

What Joel and Ethan Coen do with True Grit is revive the Western genre of films. Having been in a bit of a hiatus since the late 1970s, the Coen brothers have proved that you can still make an exciting Western, even today. True Grit is the perfect representation of the revival of the Western, complete with spectacular performances from Bridges, Damon, and Steinfeld, a great retelling of the classic Charles Portis story, and a wonderfully created atmosphere. True Grit is the perfect definition of a great Western.