True Grit

The Coen Brothers are virtually untouchable when it comes to the production of stylish, funny and original movies. 

Their character driven plots and breathtaking set pieces create an impression that can linger in the mind for days.

Admittedly the trademark quirkiness of the Coen Brothers is not to everybody’s taste and their movies have received mixed reviews over the years. T

heir latest production True Grit is a remake of the 1969 John Wayne Western and is based on a book of the same title written in 1968.  It has already outstripped the remarkable success of their 2007 production No Country for Old Men, grossing over $90 million to date at the US box office.

True Grit is set in Arkansas in 1877 and follows headstrong fourteen year old Mattie Ross (played by the outstanding Hailee Steinfeld) as she seeks revenge for the murder of her father by Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), one of his hired hands.  In her stubborn determination to seek justice she enlists the help of U.S Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) as he has a reputation for having ‘true grit’ to help track down her father’s murderer.  Cogburn is initially reluctant to help Mattie as he doesn’t take her offer of payment of $50 seriously, however after some lengthy coercion he agre  es to help her. 

Also on the trail of Chaney for a separate killing in Texas is a self-glorifying Ranger by the name of LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) who resents Mattie’s wish to bring her father’s murderer to justice in Arkansas.  Since there is a large cash reward offered in Texas it would be a more financially lucrative endeavour for LaBoeuf to bring Chaney there, instead of hunting him down for the murder in Arkansas which warrants no cash reward.  After learning that Cogburn has betrayed her by teaming up with LaBoeuf, Mattie pursues the pair, threatens to report Cogburn for breaking their agreement and the three go in search for Tom Chaney.

True to Coen Brother’s style, True Grit is heavily character driven and draws on the rough and beautiful New Mexico and Texan terrain and old Western style soundtrack to weave together a story of revenge and camaraderie.  The unlikely trio have a remarkable chemistry and it’s a pleasure to watch the performances of three very talented actors.

While this is one of the Coen Brother’s more straightforward narratives, a subtle depth lies in the performances of Steinfeld and Bridges in particular, as a father/daughter relationship slowly emerges between them over the course of the movie.  Damon as always proves he has a knack for comedic timing and for summoning an inherent likeability in a character that doesn’t have too many positive qualities.

True Grit is an effortlessly engrossing movie, infusing quick dialogue and fast paced action.

Mirroring Mattie’s desire for swift vengeance, it never stops for too long in any one location and carries the audience along in its whirlwind chase.

While this would certainly not be one of my favourite Coen Brother’s movies, lacking the pitiful poignancy and wit of Fargo, or the heart-stopping tension of No Country for Old Men, this is definitely worth a viewing for the fine performances of Bridges and Damon and the incredible presence of young Steinfeld who is sure to be face to watch in upcoming productions. 

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