True Grit (2010, dir. Joel and Ethan Coen)
Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper
I've never seen the original True Grit, mainly because I am not such a big fan of John Wayne. I've only seen two films of his (The Searchers and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance). I totally get Wayne as an icon, but as an actor he seemed a little weak. So I entered the remake of True Grit with no expectations and found it to be a great western and adventure story, with enough subtext to keep me thinking for a long time. Despite advertisements, this is Hailee Steinfeld's film. The other actors are there to support her and she does a magnificent job keeping up with the likes of Bridges and Damon.
Mattie Ross (Steinfeld) is the 14 year old daughter of a man shot in cold blood by Tom Cheney (Brolin), a dim witted scoundrel. Mattie travels to the location of her father's body under the pretense of preparing it to be sent back home, but is actually out to find a hired gun to help her track down and murder Cheney. She happens upon the grizzled federal marshal Rooster Cogburn (Bridges), a man who shoots first and asks questions later. After some convincing, he agrees to take Mattie into Choctaw territory where Cheney ran off to. Before they can depart, Texas ranger Le Boeuf (Damon) who is looking for Cheney in relation to his murder of a Texas state senator. The trio bickers and bonds as they draw closer to their prey, which in the end will test each of their resolves.
The Coens are employing their strongest tactics in this film: dialogue and character. The language of the characters is so precise and specific, and this is how they have created countless memorable and iconic characters. True Grit is a showcase for the complex figure of Mattie Ross, whom could easily become a "girl power" anachronism. Instead, through well placed pieces of dialogue, we learn about Mattie's role in her home and the extra responsibility she has been strapped with. She is both courageous and vulnerable in a way many female characters in film rarely are. Beyond Mattie, the central and side characters all have unspoken histories that we catch glimpses of. As she and Rooster travel the wilderness they encounter characters who may have a line or two (or none at all) and are fully realized figures in this world. The Coens succeed in producing another film chock full of those things that cause the brains of film geeks like myself to salivate.
Like you, I had never seen the original True Grit going into the movie; all I knew was that I was going to see this movie after viewing the trailer.
ReplyDeleteI was pleasantly surprised by Mattie's character--she is definitely a force to be reckoned with, which I (of course) appreciated. The Coens unfold a story with only what is necessary; I never sit through any of their films wondering, "WHEN is this going to be over?" I sat through this film on the edge of my seat and holding my breath, but the Coens left enough subtext hanging around to keep my brain stirring for hours afterward.
In short: it was awesome.