True Grit

True Grit (2010)
Directed by Ethan Coen & Joel Coen
Length: 110 minutes
Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images





Once upon a time in a wild land called Hollywood, the Western genre - with tales of cowboys and outlaws, women and drink, Indians and sheriffs - ruled the silverscreen. Since the greats like Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns (For a Few Dollars More; The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly), John Wayne's instantly recognizable drawl, Clint Eastwood's storied career sporting spurs, and more, the Western genre has largely gone the way of the dinosaurs. That is to say, most modern film viewers are not fans of the "old-time Westerns." When the Coen brothers, famous for their critically acclaimed yet challenging art films, announced their intentions to re-make the classic 1969 Western True Grit, many wondered what the hell was happening. Perhaps more famous as the only role John Wayne won an Oscar for, would this modern version prove to be another Coen art project? Or would audiences be reintroduced to the Western genre and its great history?

True Grit focuses on Mattie Ross, phenomenally played by 14-year old newcomer Hailee Steinfeld (Sons of Tuscon, Summer Camp), a precocious and persistent young lady intent on avenging the murder of her father by Tom Chaney, an all to brief performance by Josh Brolin (Men in Black III, Jonah Hex). In order to track Chaney and bring him to justice, Mattie hires drunk, fat, and cantankerous U.S. Marshall Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn, the amazing Jeff Bridges (TRON: Legacy, Pablo) once again showing his immense talent. Additionally, Matt Damon (The Adjustment Bureau, Hereafter) as the braggadocious Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, pronounced "la beef", joins the crew in hopes of capturing Chaney for the murder of a Texas senator.

While Steinfeld's first major performance as Mattie Ross is incredible considering her relative inexperience, there is no denying the brilliance of Jeff Bridges. Literally replacing an actor in an legendary and award winning role can be daunting for any performer, but Bridges has succeeded in making Rooster Cogburn his own. The drunken buffoon made the film feel more like a comedy about a washed-up Marshall and less prone to the stereotypical Western cliches. Bridges may not win Best Actor for the second year in a row at the upcoming Oscars, but his performance is without a doubt one of the best of the year.

The Coen brothers have managed to avoid making a film that feels "too artsy" as so many of their films often do (look no further than last year's Jewish culture satire A Serious Man). In fact, though deemed a Western, the feeling is more comedy than traditional Western. While all the elements necessary to the genre are present, True Grit is a tremendously accessible film that can be enjoyed by all types, critics and casual movie goers alike. Be sure to catch this one as soon as you can!

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Cross-examining lawyer: "So, you say that when Amos Wharton raised his axe, you backed away from him?"
Rooster Cogburn: "That's right."
Cross-examining lawyer: "In what direction were you going?"
Rooster Cogburn: "Backwards. I always go backwards when I back up."

Oscar Nominations:
Best Achievement in Art Direction
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Achievement in Costume Design
Best Achievement in Directing - Ethan & Joel Coen
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Best Motion Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Jeff Bridges
Best Supporting Actress - Hailee Steinfeld
Best Adapted Screenplay