Down to the nitty gritty...
> True Grit
5 stars (out of 5)
Director: Joel and Ethan Coen.
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper
Rating: (R16)
Joel and Ethan Coen are renowned for post-modern irony and irreverent wit, but in the case of True Grit, they play things pretty straight.
The Coens look to the literary source for inspiration, sidestepping the John Wayne classic to authentically adapt Charles Portis' 1968 novel.
True Grit 2010 is a delight primarily because we are drawn into the badlands by a plucky 14-year-old. After witnessing the death of her father at the hands of farmhand Tom Cheney (Josh Brolin), Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) decides to bring the killer to justice.
As far-fetched as this might sound, the film gains credibility from Steinfeld's steely forthright manner and brilliant turn of phrase. Seeking a US Marshall to help her track down Cheney, Mattie happens upon Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges at his brilliant best), a man known to have True Grit.
Begrudgingly taking Mattie's money to help her catch Cheney, Cogburn runs into LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), a lone ranger hunting Cheney for a crime committed in Texas. Initially pooling their resources, the trio gradually turn on each other as they descend deeper into the mysterious Indian Nations.
As homage to a specific time and place in American history, True Grit is flawless. Long-time Coen collaborator Roger Deakins' s canny eye for detail and perspective has hopefully earned him a long overdue Oscar.
Best thing: Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld. As the Coens put it, if they didn't find the right girl to play Mattie Ross there would be no film.
Worst thing: The film had to end.
See it with: Anyone who is curious about Westerns, but didn't get John Wayne's appeal.
- Mark Orton
