Posted on 12/27/2010 11:55:37 AM PST by Cinnamon Girl
For those who feel it's disloyal to the memory of John Wayne to even watch the new version of "True Grit," please hold your horses. To not give this film a chance on that basis is like not giving Elvis Presley's version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" a chance because you think it's disloyal to Art Garfunkel. Even Paul Simon said Elvis nailed it. And Jeff Bridges turns in a stunning performance as Rooster Cogburn. Or should I say, a staggering performance. He plays a gruff, seemingly oblivious, functional alcoholic with paternal undertones of regret which will feel familiar to anyone who knows such characters in real life.
I vaguely remember seeing the original "True Grit" on video not so long ago. I was distracted by Kim Darby's trendy boy haircut, which was quite a stretch for the 1880's. As Mattie Ross in the new film, Hailee Steinfeld looks like a fourteen year old from the Old West and believably speaks her sharp dialogue like a homeschooled teen might today-- uninhibited and with a head full of knowledge beyond her years. She holds her own with the U.S. Marshall and the Texas Ranger, played by Matt Damon, and she says clever and biting things you wish you could think to say. But that's good writing.
And this "True Grit" is a package deal. The acting, the writing, and the cinematography are all beautiful. I have a thing for authentic looking westerns. In recent years I thought "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" and "3:10 to Yuma" both were visually alluring and captured the eerie, dusty, coldness of the western frontier. Likewise, "True Grit" seeks authenticity with the earthiness of tired horses and homemade clothing, and a paucity of rations in the snowy wilderness. All the characters reflected a kind of innocence and naivety of a world that existed just moments before the telephone and automobile snowballed into the technologically jaded culture of the late 20th century.
There was not a weak performance from anyone, not even Matt Damon, who carries the baggage of being Matt Damon. His baggage worked for him in this role, actually, as a masculine, blustery Texas ranger who, like Rooster, was ultimately decent and chivalrous.
The greatest scene to me, the one with the most emotional impact, was one that most Americans would agree was morally correct, but which would actually spark debate in some circles. It involved the punishing use of a horse and I wish more would not be said about it for the sake of those who haven't seen the film yet, but it exquisitely defines the heart of Jeff Bridges' character.
If Hollywood cared (which they don't) about rewarding filmmakers who make grand films that appeal to theater going audiences, they would give the Best Picture Oscar to "True Grit." As it is, their tendency these days is to figure out who had the most ignored, left-wing screed of the nominees and shower Academy love upon it.
Well, I guess we'll see.
Oh my! What a video. Kudo’s to Jeepstergal. The original’s music is very stirring.
See the YouTube video at the link in #39 and you can do nothing but agree with this statement.
What did they say??
No report yet, but I’ll let you know.
I have long considered Robert Duvall to be just about the best actor I have ever seen. A major reason for my thinking is that at least twice I have turned on the TV to a movie that had been on for a few minutes so I saw no title or opening credits and have watched Duvall for long periods thinking, “Who is this actor?” He actually can assume a character and become the character to the point that I don’t recognize the actor. John Wayne could not do that nor could most of the great actors of his time.
Matt Damon, who carries the baggage of being Matt Damon. His baggage worked for him in this role,......
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He was okay, but as I said on another thread, Mattie should have spoken in a Southern drawl. So should the Texas Ranger played by Matt Damon, but I’m a stickler for stuff like that. I did like the movie even without the twangs.
Saw Black Swan Tuesday night and I'm still shaking my head thinking What the heck was that?.
Saw Black Swan Tuesday night and I'm still shaking my head thinking What the heck was that?.
Saw this today. Fabulous film: this is what movie making is all about. Good story, great script, excellent acting, and breathtaking cinematography that isn’t just thrown in, but serves a purpose. Halle Steinfeld is light years better than Kim Darby. No particular axe to grind with Damon, but Campbell was better. Bridges equals the Duke, and that’s saying something. But Steinfeld’s running narrative, and the banter between her and Bridges, which is quite funny, makes this easily the equal of the original. A must see, and I almost never go to movies.
I am in OKlahoma for a few weeks & will be seeing it with a gal pal on Tuesday
Just as Gregory Peck wisely chose not to do a deep southern accent as Atticus Finch, Matt Damon, a Boston boy, did not attempt a Texas accent. Poorly done accents can be very distracting. Like Kim Darby’s haircut.
Better than the original and I am a HUGH John Wayne fan!
Straight up.
Poorly done accents can be very distracting. Like Kim Darby’s haircut.
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You got me there but a good accent adds to the reality.
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