So when the news came out that they were adapting the Charles Portis book True Grit, previously adapted to film in 1969 with John Wayne as the star, we knew that it would hold true to the Coen brothers style: a very dramatic film with instances of humour. And this is just what we got.
True Grit tells the story of fourteen year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) whose father has been shot by a Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), and therefore hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to find Chaney. At the same time, Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who has been looking for Chaney, comes along so that he may also bring the criminal to justice. What ensues is a tale that shows what someone can do with a strong enough will and shows a modern representation of the Old West.
The character of Rooster Cogburn is almost key to this, as he is the classic ornery washed-up US Marshall. Jeff Bridges plays this character well, giving him unique quirks that make him an interesting character to watch and listen to. Sadly, I have to say that his character is a little bit hard to understand at times, slurring his words. This, of course, because he is a massive drunkard, but it still doesn’t excuse for the fact he cannot be heard too well.
Hailee Steinfeld is, surprisingly, an amazing actress. True Grit is the first theatrical film she has appeared in, and with such a great performance she will hopefully appear in further films. She definitely shows what a teenage girl at her time would have been like, with a cross between her great knowledge and thirst for vengeance, as well as slightly more immature and childish lines. It is a wonder that she has often been nominated for Supporting Actress, as she is the main character in the film, and such a strong role at that. She plays off the other actors very well, especially Jeff Bridges.
Matt Damon also interacts with the other two main actors very well. I find that, out of the three main characters, LaBoeuf is the least well-developed. Not to say that he doesn’t get developed. His character is still very likeable and interesting, especially with his views conflicting Cogburn’s and his wish to take Chaney back to Texas, rather than let Mattie deal with him. Though not in the movie quite enough, he still shines in the scenes he is in.
Throughout all of this we can taste the Coen brothers style of directing, which consists of drama and humour. The scenes with great amounts of drama are, indeed, greatly dramatic. The intensity of gunfights and quiet scenes is so high that the audience will be sitting on the edge of their seats. In contrast, the humour sometimes seems out of place, but not so much so that you are confused as to why it is there. It more so complements the scene and is truly hilarious.
With the Coen brothers touch, True Grit deserves any awards it gets, being a great way to re-introduce the Western into the world of cinema.
Final Verdict: 8/10
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