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.
“But I think The Duke did it better...”
I’m sure Al Bundy agrees with you!
I saw Social Network three times in the theater and I never do that.
The film (I’m a film buff!) is far, far superior than the product the film is about (Facebook). And I have nothing against Facebook.
Great, great movie. Hope it wins best score at least.
We watched ‘Salt’ last night.
Loved it.
Joel and Ethan Coen are the best dialog writers in Hollywood, bar none.
The girl should receive the best supporting actress award.
What was wrong with Black Swan?
I still want to see that, 127 Hours, The King’s Speech, The Town, Rabbit Hole, and definitely True Grit.
And, for fun, I also want to see Devil—about being trapped in an elevator with Satan.
I, too, was reluctant. Didn’t see the need for a remake of True Grit.
Saw it Friday and LOVED IT! Better than the original (minus John Wayne, of course).
Jeff Bridges was great as his own version of Rooster. He didn’t try to be The Duke. They even had him wear the patch on the opposite eye.
The girl who played Mattie was amazing. Matt Damon was quite good as the Texas Ranger.
The biggest surprise was Barry Pepper as Ned Pepper. He did it EXACTLY like Robert Duvall in the original, and was outstanding.
The Coen Brothers are great filmmakers, and this new version of True Grit is no exception. I strongly recommend it, ESPECIALLY to those who love the original.
It is more of an homage than a remake.
I don’t disagree, but often box office success doesn’t translate into Golden Globes or Oscars. The “Harry Potter” franchise has been a huge success at the box office, but has performed poorly at major awards. The public may not swoon over a stuttering King or lesbian ballerinas,but “The King’s Speech” or “Black Swan” may do well in winning awards.
It is beyond horrible. Don’t see it. Even the LA Times said you will not like it.
I guess I’ll have to give it a try.
However, I sat through “Tron 2” in 3D. I think I had a seizure and bit my tongue about halfway through.
Jeff Bridges owes everybody a decent performance after that.
Damon was a little old for this part. A young whippersnapper would could have pulled off the 'Steal a kiss' line without looking like a pervert. That was a little weird.
I was left wanting for a little more originality.
It was no Old Country for Old Men
For a number of years, I avoided seeing the Coen’s No Country for Old Men, because the reviews made it sound like a nihilistic bloodfest. But when I actually saw the movie, I saw something quite different: a moving update of classic western themes, where the good guys are always on the verge of being overwhelmed by the forces of evil.
I'm glad to see the Coen’s returning to the western because they seem to have a real feel for the genre.
No thanks..
“It’s like a really bad Disney movie. The hockey mom, you know, ‘oh, I’m just a hockey mom’… and she’s facing down Vladimir Putin … It’s totally absurd… it’s a really terrifying possibility.” Matt Damon
I thought Tron1 was a waste of my time and special efx aside, I expect Tron2 to be a waste as well. On Christmas eve I was going to take my sons to a movie and didn't even give them a choice (they would have picked Tron). Instead I simply said we are going to see True Grit.
They loved it. I loved it. The Coens have a genuine masterpiece on their hands.
Remakes are 90% of the time inferior to the original.
John Wayne was wonderful (as always) in the original and I liked Kim Darby in her role. Glen Campbell just passed.
Let’s not forget Struther Martin, Robert Duvall and Dennis Hopper who all were terrific. The cinematography was superb and period vernacular was extremely entertaining.
This movie may be very good but I’ll stand with the real McCoy.
***I don’t think Damon improves on Glen Campbell at all***
I got a fence post that can act better than Glen Campbell! I saw the original in 1969 and lost the girl I was going to marry because I said some things about Glen Campbell!
I couldnt stand Affleck in it but Jeremy renner as always, never disappoints. Hamm was just miscast as the FBI dude. His sidekick however, I’ve seen so many times from LOST to Jericho.
If the Duke became the Dude from the other Coen Brother movie (The Big Libowsky) and Matt Demon is flipping out because he thinks he’s back in Iraq, then I’d go see it.
“It’s possibly the best western I’ve ever seen.”
Concur.
“Unforgiven” being one of my other choices.
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