True Grit (2010) – Film Review

Don’t look for the famous final freeze-frame shot of John Wayne, waving his Stetson, horse rearing up two legs that ends the 1969 version of “True Grit.” That said, Joel and Ethan Coen’s remake of the 1969 classic western, “True Grit” is hardly remade whole cloth. There’s plenty the two films share in common – the first being the basic plot. Fiercely determined 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfield), articulate and mature, plans to capture her father’s killer, Tom Cheney (Josh Brolin) and bring him to justice. Perhaps, though, Mattie may have some serious revenge on her tenacious mind.

Despite how capable she is, Mattie knows she’ll need help, and she hires U.S. Marshal “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help her find Cheney. Along the way, Texas Ranger La Boeuf (Matt Damon) joins them, as he is tracking “Lucky” Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper), whose gang Cheney’s joined.

There is a grittiness to the new version – literal and figurative. John Wayne’s pristine beige suede jacket is harshly contrasted by Bridge’s much more realistic grimy duds. This is repeated, not only in the characters’ wardrobe, but their make-up, and even more so, their teeth. The audience can almost smell the characters in the 2010 version.

It is, as you may have heard, much darker than its 1969 predecessor. It’s also more graphic. In a notable scene where Mattie encounters snakes, for example: in the 1969 version, they are menacingly, seemingly waiting in the open for her. When Steinfeld’s Mattie finds them, they’re encased in a decaying body.

There’s much to admire in this inspired remake. The performances are excellent (and this is comparing Bridges’ work to the Oscar-winning performance by Wayne). Much was predicted for the then 22-year-old Kim Darby (and yet, she never made another film of note), but let’s hope that’s not the case for Steinfeld – it would be quite tragic if she didn’t continue in the profession. An added dose of reality is Damon’s portrayal of La Boeuf, the role originally played by Glen Campbell. At the time, Campbell was already a superstar, and Grammy winner in the country and pop categories and had appeared in two films, but history would make “True Grit” is best known (and best) film to date. Campbell brought his good ‘ole boy persona to the performance, giving La Boeuf a dose of goofiness that seemed slightly off for the film. Damon’s La Boeuf is not without humor, but there is a credible ruggedness to him.

As with the genre, music is absolutely one of the film’s co-stars. Where legendary Elmer Bernstein placed plenty of upbeat, almost “jokey” accenting music, Carter Burwell opts for an opulent score appropriate for the time period, and, of course, for the film. The gospel songs layer the depth of the music, which includes songs by Iris Dement.

Ultimately, for all of the similarities to the original, the Coen brothers have made a deeply felt film that resonates long after the credits roll.