I’ve not read the book, nor seen the John Wayne original. I’m not particularly a fan of Coen Brothers movies, though I do like The Big Lebowski and I am partial to Frances McDormand in Fargo. Overall, westerns aren't my thing but I loved 3:10 to Yuma and the trailer for True Grit was quite compelling when I saw it back in the summer, so I was eagerly looking forward to seeing it. My family has a tradition on going to the movies the day after Christmas and I knew True Grit would be it.
Spoiler-Free Synopsis: A clever girl hires a one-eyed, aging alcoholic US Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track and arrest the man that killed her father. They are in competition/cahoots with Mr. LaBouef, a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) who wants the same man for another killing in Texas.
Acting Grades:
Jeff Bridges: A+
If I could turn back time and instead have Bridges win his Academy Award for True Grit rather than Crazy Heart (which I remained unconvinced isn’t a carbon copy of The Wrestler) I would. There were a few lines of his that were too unintelligible and mangled in character for me to catch, but that’s part of the character. He was magnificent, though maddening as he was endearing and funny. I’m particularly fond of his ramblings.
Matt Damon: A
I always feel like Damon holds something back, especially in these character roles, but this was by far his best character performance. He absolutely disappeared into his character, and I even had to wait for the end credits to double check that it was actually Damon I watched. Prideful but purposeful, Damons’ LaBouef was as every bit pompous as he was tender-hearted. A job well done.
Hailee Steinfeld: A+
I'm supremely annoyed her importance was bumped to "supporting" for the Oscar nominations. I have honestly lost a bit of faith in the Academy. Hailee is a true talent, and, apologies for abusing an already well-abused word, extremely refreshing. It’s time to rehash the talent in this town and Hailee is just what Hollywood needs. As Mattie Ross she is quick-witted, clever, stubborn and prideful – she is the very embodiment of Megan Fellows’ Anne Shirley of the Wild West. Keep your eyes on this young lady, she is going to the top.
Likes:
- Quick-witted, smart dialogue that wasn’t “snappy” and self-aware
- The fact that the Coen Brothers kept the story to the novel and from Mattie’s POV
- Deep characterization without being saccharine or losing the action
Dislikes:
- Horse dying in a more-than-I-care-for graphic way. Seriously. I can’t take that.
True Grit
Overall Story: A
Was It Worth My Money: Yes
Would I Recommend: Yes
Would I Buy: Maybe. I'd definitely put it on my Amazon wish list and hope someone just buys it for me.
Can Your Mum Watch It: Yes, especially if she loves westerns/action dramas.
