This film happened to creep up on me really fast, I remember reading about the Oscar buzz circling this film and decided to investigate. True Grit, directed by the reliable and worthy Coen brothers, is a remake of the classic 1969 John Wayne Western. The film follows a young woman’s search for her father’s killer with the help of an alcoholic marshal and an egoistic Texan ranger, set largely against the unforgiving wasteland of the Indian Territory.
So I just really want to express a few quick thoughts on the cinematography and acting in True Grit, but be wary that there may be the odd spoiler in this little review of mine.
Now although I’ve never seen the original film, or read the material the films are based upon, some of the film’s cinematography was directed in such a way that there are moments where you feel like you’re watching one of those old John Wayne movies. Such as the black silhouettes of Mattie and her companions riding across the dry and dusty dunes, clear blue sky and sun beating down. And in true comic fashion, when Mattie ultimately takes her revenge and shoots Tom Chaney, he performs a little kick as he feels the bullet and flies over the edge of a cliff, a delayed reaction. Features like these made me appreciate the film even more than I already do, as a nod to the characteristics of the Western genre.
In terms of acting, for me there is little surprise that Hailee Steinfield has garnered as much attention as she has for her role as stubborn, sharp-witted Mattie Ross, and I’m sure she’ll have no problem clinching offers to star in bigger features now. I’ve been keeping up with news about The Hunger Games, based on the best-selling young adult dystopian series, and was aware that Hailee was actually in the running to star as the heroine, Katniss. However, this seems unlikely to happen now that Hailee has been cast in another young adult novel, scheduled for next year called Forgotten. Shame. She was definitely my favourite pick of the bunch. Hailee didn’t win the Oscar in the running for Best Supporting Actress (What’s up with that? supporting?), but she is still young yet, and to even be nominated is a huge feat in itself.
Moving on to Mr. Jeff Bridges, I can confidently say his portrayal of the marshal was definitely my favourite character of the film and actually made me become rather teary when the film’s end was in sight and his character, Rooster took on a very fatherly role for Mattie in her time of need. However, he also provided plenty of comic relief throughout the film, which isn’t as all serious as we’re led to believe as most western films were produced as back in the days of Mr. Wayne. His drunken banter, antics and attitude towards Mattie’s stubbornness made him a well-rounded and loved character,which makes me wonder if John Wayne in the original flick was just as interestingly entertaining and likewise, utterly convincing. I also didn’t realise Jeff Bridges was quite the photographer and stumbled across his website recently to my delight with some backstage shots of the cast and crew filming True Grit.
Matt Damon even pleasantly surprised me as the honourable Texan ranger, Leboeuf. His coolness and flexability in the film, (for example, when Ned’s gang ambush him) made me really admire his versatility and commitment to the role. Where as in his past films, such as the popular Bourne Identity series, Damon showed little autonomy in his role, and in his other films I am familiar with Damon also appeared to have little presence and was more or less outshone by other members of the cast. However, Damon really comes into his own in True Grit. It has also come to my attention that a lineup of several films he stars in are coming out very shortly in the UK, the man is in very little need of work like now (just like Natalie Portman), because of his performance. Well done, Damon. I think you needed a role like this to prove to me you are a better actor than I thought you were.
Now usually only one, or even rarer, two performances in an Oscar presented film are recognised and given praise to. However, Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfield and Matt Damon all came through and pulled this film along with ease and really settled into the Wild West setting with familiarity. To the shining cast of the film, you certainly have True Grit.
tastes like sugar water 