As a classic movie geek, (my wife hates "old movies" especially black and white flicks!), I wouldn't mind a remake of Rooster Cogburn. The lady lead? Sandra Bullock!
Posted on 01/01/2011 8:06:14 AM PST by Kaslin
On April 7, 1970, John Wayne received the Academy Award for best actor after wowing people in the movie "True Grit." For Wayne, it was really a lifetime achievement recognition, as he beat out the likes of Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight, all considered "serious" actors, unlike Wayne, who specialized in personality-driven performances.
Wayne's portrayal of hard-drinking U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn was a classic. The actor totally blew away his co-stars Kim Darby and Glenn Campbell (yes, that Glenn Campbell). In one scene, the Duke is riding the range between Darby and Campbell, and they look like Lilliputians to Wayne's Gulliver. Whatever else you might think about John Wayne, he dominated the screen whenever he appeared on it.
Forty years later, there is a remake of "True Grit," starring Jeff Bridges as Cogburn. Bridges is a serious actor and plays the part well. But he can't touch Wayne. By the way, another serious actor, Matt Damon, plays the Campbell part, and Bridges blows him away. Some advice for the younger leading man: Stay away from the old pros; they know how to move the audience in ways you don't.
The "True Grit" comparison also reflects the times the films were released. Back in 1969, the United States was in turmoil over Vietnam and the rise of the Woodstock generation. Revered traditions were breaking down fast, confusing and angering many Americans. John Wayne was a throwback to better times, a man respected by traditional folks. And it was Wayne they were watching on the screen, not Rooster Cogburn. It was Wayne who protected the young girl out to avenge her father, and it was Wayne who imposed justice on the brutal bad guys. The strong-minded actor brought audiences comfort amid chaos both on the screen and in real life.
Today we are a country once again experiencing turbulent times. But Jeff Bridges offers no antidote to that; in fact, his portrayal disturbs rather than comforts. Bridges plays the flawed marshal well and may very well be nominated as Wayne was, but he revels in Cogburn's neurosis, whereas the Duke used it as a prop. John Wayne was accessible to the audience as basically a good guy. Jeff Bridges puts the troubled character he plays right in your face.
And that's the difference in America over these 40 years. We once were a country with boundaries and rules of behavior. Now many of those boundaries are gone. We expect explicit violence and personal angst. Many of us relish seeing that. In 1969, when "True Grit" played in the theaters, Americans were looking for heroes like John Wayne to show them nobility. Today there are far fewer heroes, and we don't expect much nobility, even in the movies.
I liked both "True Grits." But for me, it is Wayne who still deserves most of the cheers. The man was larger than life, a symbol of the insurmountable American spirit. Boy, do we need that today.
I’m looking forward to seeing the new “True Grit” but Bill makes some great points. There’s “Duke” and then there is everybody else. God Bless John Wayne. He was my kind of American.
Good post. Thanks.
I didn’t get that from the movie. Jeff’s character is a good deal darker than the Duke’s, but his actions still show him to be a true hero.
I disagree on this one. Saw “True Grit” last night and absolutely loved it! Jeff Bridges plays Rooster in a much more realistic way than John Wayne did. Matt Damon is wonderful as the peacock Texas Ranger. And Hannah Steinfeld is amazing and riveting as Mattie Ross. I also liked the ending very much.
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The remake might be okay for those who have not seen the original with John Wayne. I prefer the original
We just saw “True Grit” last week, and the truth is it is clearly not an attempt to remake John Wayne’s movie; it is the Coen brother’s re-telling of the original story from the Charles Portis novel.
I don’t think Jeff Bridges will win for Best Actor, but the movie is definitely Best Picture material along with Best Actress for Hailee Steinfeld...
I agree. My wife and I saw Grit on New Years Eve and loved it.
It seems Hollywood cannot come up with any really good stories without a copy of the old to make money. A good screen writer is worth the price anyday, so the remakes come and go. The remake is sure to be excellent due to a good cast. There can be no dispute about that, but John Wayne stands alone in his movies and in time.
As an adolescent I loved the novel “True Grit” but ,John Wayne aside, I was disappointed by the movie.
I’m hoping the new version is closer to the spirit of the novel.
As a classic movie geek, (my wife hates "old movies" especially black and white flicks!), I wouldn't mind a remake of Rooster Cogburn. The lady lead? Sandra Bullock!
Agreed ... I went to see it yesterday with my son and it was a winner. I already want to see it again. The Coen brothers stay discreetly in the background and the characters — all of them — carry it. Even the bad guys are very human.
The original film's weak spot was Glen Campbell's performance as the Ranger. Now the Coens repeat the same mistake.
I would have chosen someone much less gay and much less Yankee than Matt Damon.
I enjoy all of Jeff Bridges movies...He seems real, even when he’s acting...
I didn’t see John Wayne as all that great an actor...But he a a presence that couldn’t be denied, or compared to...I enjoyed ALL his movies...
To me however, this is similar to having someone star in Blue Hawaii or King Creole other than Elvis...
Problem is; Rooster Cogburn IS John Wayne...
Here is what I posted on another thread! I STAND BY IT!
Might as well vent my spleen as to why I HATE the John Wayne verison!
1. Glen Campbell can not act!
2.Kim Darby is too old for her part. She was already playing adult roles in other films.
3.John Wayne ceased acting after THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALENCE. The rest of his westerns were a version of McLintock, a parody of himself. He telegraphed all his moves while playing a funny drunk, not a SOT. He just changed his shirt from red to blue in some of them. his last real acting role was THE SHOOTIST. I wonder how Randolph Scott would have done it! Wayne’s movies before 1962 were great!
4.The outlaws looked like they had just come from the barber. None of the dirt or hair on someone on the lam from Judge Parker’s noose. Not a tick or chigger bite on them!
5.The Country. Oklahoma is NOT the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada mountains. The new TG looks like Oklahoma in winter!
6.The saddles look modern. The new TRUE GRIT has authentic saddles.
7. Did I mention Glen Campbell really really could not act!
There! I feel better after carrying this load around for 41 years!
When I first heard of this remake I thought “Jeff Bridges will probably win an Oscar for playing the same Character John Wayne won an Oscar playing.” And I thought “I hope Matt Damon does a better job than Glen Campbell.” Bridges may win an Oscar. But I won’t waste my money. After watching the trailers it looks as though Matt Damon is trying to play Glen Campbell. And he does a good job.
If you're picking in hollywood, finding them less gay than matt damon might be hard to do.
Bruce Willis is too old and John Voight maybe could have been Rooster but not the Ranger.
Most of the rest are queer, TV, or bi-sexuals and the three straight guys were already booked for other parts.
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