Rating of
3.5/4
True Grit: That Says It All
Chris Kavan - wrote on 02/05/11
First, I have to confess that I have never seen the 1969 version of this film, nor read the original novel either film is based on. That being said, the Coen Brothers have renewed my faith that the western genre still has life in it and if more films like this are made, it can have a long life yet.
The story is pretty straightforward - a man is murdered and the his strong-willed daughter is determined to hunt down the man responsible. It doesn't matter he's fled into dangerous territory with a gang of outlaws - she will let nothing stand in her way. She picks up a ornery cuss of a marshal, and a drunk to boot and a Texas Ranger with his own plan is also along for the ride. The True Grit in the title may be directed towards Rooster at first, but it's obvious that Mattie Ross is the real deal as the story progresses.
There are two things that standout above all else in this film. The first is the cast, which is wholly terrific. Jeff Bridges plays the grizzled Rooster Cogburn to perfection. The looks he gives, the way he walks or rides his horse or shoots his gun - I dare say that this could be just as iconic as The Dude, and I don't give that opinion lightly. Hailee Steinfeld has a great future ahead of her if this film is any indication. Out of all the case she is the most refreshing - stubborn yet vulnerable - this is a breakout role if there ever was one. She is more than deserved for the Oscar she is nominated for. Matt Damon also plays a different kind of role then say, Jason Bourne as Texas Ranger LaBoeuf. Much more grounded, a would-be action hero instead of the kick-ass super spy he's played before.
The second thing that makes True Grit stand out is the dialogue. Every line is perfection - from witty to folksy the Coen Brothers know how to craft a screenplay and make it pop on the big screen. It may be a hard decision to decide if I like this more than The Social Network when it comes to snappy dialogue.
There are plenty of other things to like about this film: the cinematography is wonderful - the locations are stunning, the story is strong and comes to a poignant end and even the music is well set. While there are sporadic bursts of western films that have come out over the past twenty odd years - this ranks as one of my favorites.
