Tom Reviews "True Grit" DVD

Tom's Corner:



True Grit
(2010, Joel and Ethan Coen, directors)

I've never sat down and watched the John Wayne version of this film to see how it stacks up against Joel and Ethan Coen's vision. But, I did read the book. As a result of that, I will grant the Coens free reign to adapt ANY book which I am a fan of for the screen.

Let's start with a little history. True Grit first appeared as a serialized story in the Saturday Evening Post in 1968. One year later it was adapted for the big screen for the first time, starring John Wayne (and leading him to a best actor win). There was a sequel called “Rooster Cogburn” which is better off forgotten and an even worse made for TV movie which the Duke had no part in.

The latest outing stars the always wonderful Jeff Bridges in the Duke's role of Rooster Cogburn, the cantankerous drunkard of a U.S. Marshal who seldom takes prisoners and is hired by a fourteen year old girl to hunt a fugitive. Jeff Bridges is a man of many memorable roles, and this one is no exception. Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld stars as Mattie Ross, the aforementioned fourteen year old and daughter of a man who was murdered by his hired hand, Tom Chaney. Miss Steinfeld was impressive, and I wait to see what she will bring to her next part, Juliet in Shakespeare's classic play (also, I believe this is the first film version to cast Juliet age appropriately, so bravo). Tom Chaney was played by the ever wonderful Josh Brolin. I must pause here to discuss Brolin's acting. I saw supernatural(ly horrible) western Jonah Hex, and Brolin was a cocksure gunman. Conversely, Brolin's Tom Chaney is a weaselly, whiny, wretch of a man who cannot take responsibility for his own actions. Brolin really is an exceptional actor, and seeing him in these two parts in the same genre, I'm comfortable saying we'll see him in many films to come, and I for one will enjoy them. The last major cast member is Matt Damon, who plays LeBoeuf, a Texas ranger also hunting for Chaney. Damon shines in the role, and plays it as it ought to be played.

The locations scout and wardrobe department should be highly praised on this film, as everything feels exactly as it should. But I would be remiss if I did not mention the Coens. Those brilliant brothers are not only great directors, but they wrote the screenplay (and Ethan also wrote Gates of Eden, an incredible collection of short stories). This should come as no surprise to longtime Coen fans, as the duo have always taken many roles in their work.

This film was nominated for about 10 Academy Awards, and won none. I do not know where the Academy's collective head is, but it is certainly NOT in the game, and may in fact be inserted into an orifice. The bottom line is this. See this movie. It is one of the best adaptations of a novel I have ever seen, and I have seen many.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

* Behind the Scenes with Mattie Ross
* Outfitting the Old West: Buckskins, Chaps and Cowboy Hats
* Re-creating Fort Smith
* The Cast

- Tom