
Originally Posted by
Lon
Yesterday for the second time I watched True Grit 2010. Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen, this remake of the old western originally starring John Wayne is similar in some ways but mostly not. This film stars Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and the adorable Hailee Steinfeld. In simplest terms the film follows the travels of fourteen year old Mattie Ross, played by Steinfeld, as she pursues the man who killed her father. She hires Federal Marshall Rooster Cogburn played by Jeff Bridges and is given assistance from Texas Ranger LaBoeuf played by Matt Damon.
It's the late 1800's where horseback was the primary means of travel and navigating the countryside seemed to come easy for this trio. They encounter some unsavory outlaws, sheltered folk, Indians, and generally unhelpful people. Their travels will test each of them individually in terms of stamina, determination, in short, their true grit. Mattie is so determined to catch her fathers killer that she hires a drunken Federal Marshall of questionable character to assist her. Additionally this fourteen year old will take risks which are certainly dangerous given the day. She is quick witted, wonderful to watch in every sense of the word and a remarkable actress given the nature of the western dialog.
Jeff Bridges did a wonderful job as Rooster Cogburn, the Federal Marshall who is either drunk, annoyed, or suddenly sharp as a tack during this film. The one eyed Marshall leads Mattie into Indian countryside in pursuit of her fathers killer. He's also a very likable character even with his shortcomings. His grit will be tested late in the film when he's tasked with saving Mattie who has been bitten by a rattlesnake.
Matt Damon's character Texas Ranger LaBoeuf takes the most physical punishment during the film. He'll be shot, kicked, dragged by horseback, and later must pull off a clean long-range shot during a key possibly life saving moment in the film. His resilience will be tested as he deals with this punishment, and his history of questionable choices.
In all this is a beautiful piece of film work, and the art direction is nothing short of stunning. The musical score is subtle, yet memorably well-placed in key moments during the film. This is old west storytelling at its finest.
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