Review: True Grit

I was extremely skeptical about this remake of a true Hollywood classic. After all, by the idea of replacing the Duke, the Coen Brothers are treading very thin ice with all the older audiences, as well as genre purists who think that this is one film that should never have been remade because the original was certainly good enough to withstand the test of time.

That said, as True Grit unfolded on the screen, I became very aware that this version was not a remake so much as a truer, more faithful version of the book upon which the film is based. While no one can ever hope to replace John Wayne--the utter epitome/personification of the Hollywood Western--Jeff Bridges does a phenomenal job portraying a crusty, tired and thoroughly likable Rooster Cogburn.

Fourteen year old Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, the eloquent, opinionated and self assured daughter who is out to avenge the murder of her father. Steinfeld is nothing short of Oscar worthy in her straight forward portrayal of Mattie. You are so drawn into her performance that you forget that she is literally only fourteen. I personally cannot imagine this film being as good without Steinfeld's incredible acting.

Matt Damon offers a very different character than I can recall him ever playing. At once both confident, and extremely vulnerable, Damon's LaBoeuf (pr. LaBeef in the film) is absolutely refreshing in the western genre.

The other major character is the dialogue itself. Written in true 19th century American English, the dialogue throughout takes a listening, intelligent ear to pick up the subtleties, jokes and general conversation. However, listening to it was never tiresome because the dialogue itself lent such an authentic air to the film that you don't think twice about the prose. You simply enjoy the banter, jokes and insults. It's really wonderful!

The rest of the cast is excellent. Headed up by Barry Pepper and Josh Brolin, the supporting actors are all well-cast, and add significantly to the authenticity of the period.

True Grit is directed by Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men, Hudsucker Proxy, Oh Brother Where Art Thou). While I usually don't care for their films (aside from Raising Arizona), I found True Grit to be a fun, well-acted and period realistic movie that drew me in much quicker than I expected.

I highly recommend that you see True Grit. It is highly deserving of the praise you are hearing about.

This movie is a buyer when it is released on DVD; and I'll definitely be adding this to my collection.