True Grit (2010)

Does good always triumph? How far would you go to see justice done? What does it take for a daughter to avenge the murder of her father? These questions rush through the mind, as True Grit unfolds with its single-minded individuals and their single-minded quests.

An American western, directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, True Grit is a tough film with a compelling story line. It’s told simply and plainly, with no showy cowboys or hero lone rangers. Determination is a powerful sentiment, and matched with a strong sense of right and wrong, of crime and punishment, and of justice and duty, it’s even more potent.
Hailee Steinfeld is Mattie Ross, looking for justice for her murdered father. The killer, Tom Cheney (Josh Brolin), a former hired hand of her father has evaded the authorities. Rumour has it that he is in Choctaw, a rough and unforgiving terrain full of bandits, snakes and corpses. Mattie is determined to pursue.

Bringing Cheney to justice is not a job for a 14-year-old on her own, and Mattie, the ever-realistic soul she is, knows this. Following many rebuffs, she manages to enlist the help of a Deputy U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track down Cheney. They are joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (a near unrecognisable Matt Damon), who has been on a hunt for Cheney for several months.

Mattie, Cogburn and Laboeuf make an odd and contentious team. They are suspicious of each other and are constantly clashing over each other’s priorities. The men are not convinced of Mattie’s ability to deal with the terrain or the situation. LaBoeuf, especially, considers her more of a hindrance that’s sure to slow them down. The only thing reining them in is her extremely strong sense of right and wrong.

Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn: Living up to a reputation

Cogburn sees Mattie’s genuine need and is drawn to her unwavering determination, despite himself. You can feel his admiration for her increasing with each day, and our admiration for Rooster rides along with it. He is not the most lovable character. By his own admission he has killed more than 20 people in the course of duty – in self-defense! He’s drunk, loud, rough, proud and without mercy. He’s the toughest marshal and exactly what she is looking for. Jeff Bridges is simply marvelous, with his eye patch, growly voice, looming presence and no frills attitude.

Newcomer Steinfeld handles her role with great aplomb, engaging the viewer with a strong, solid performance. Mattie is smart, brave, straightforward and stubborn. Her belief in justice and fair play gives Mattie the strength to keep true to her mission and to weather the dangers of the journey and the treacherous land. She has a will to match the two men. She can bargain you to a corner, strike a deal just by boggling your mind with disarming arguments, and refuses to take no for an answer. Her pursuit of Cogburn is in turns funny and desperate. She wants to do the right thing by her father, but there will be no cutting corners. Her father will be avenged, within the means of the law.

LaBoeuf and Mattie get off to a bad start from the word get go. He feels the bite of her whiplash words, and she resents his intrusion and condescending ways. There is no love lost between him and Cogburn either, as he taunts the latter’s change of mind towards the young girl. LaBoeuf is annoying, but useful; headstrong, but skillful; it’s good to have him on your side. 

Can Mattie and LaBoeuf put their differences aside to face a common adversary?

One of the best features of True Grit is its language. It’s such a great blend, and you have to be quick and alert to catch the drift. The comebacks are witty, conversations flow smoothly, and before you know it characters are convinced of doing things they had no intention of taking on.

Violence is a constant presence throughout the film. Death, bloodshed, shooting, danger and tension all jostle together, coating everything with a cold brutality. There are no certainties in their nomad survival, and decisions are made to suit the moment. Of course, as far as a western story goes, there is no end to the sense of adventure. Horses, outdoor camping, stakeouts, spying, snakes, battles, great marksmanship, wilderness – it all adds up to a thrilling tale.

This is not the first time this story has been on the silver screen. The 1969 version was directed by Henry Hathaway, and starred John Wayne, Glen Campbell and Kim Darby. Both films were adaptations of the novel True Grit (1968) by Charles Portis, but the Coen brother’s version is more faithful to the novel. As far as westerns go, it’s a triumph in moviemaking and as always the brothers have outdone themselves.

Here’s the trailer:

Source: HollywoodStreams
 
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