I remembered the original True Grit from 1969 as what I thought was John Wayne's last role. Of course it wasn't – he made nearly a dozen films after this western, his last being the Shootist. He reprised his role of Rooster Cogburn opposite Katherine Hepburn in the movie of the same name. It was his second to last film.
The True Grit I saw over the holiday was the Coen brothers' (Of Fargo and The Big Lebowski fame) remake of this wonderful movie. I reviewed the trailer from the first film and from what I could see, the Coens changed the scenery, changed the actors, but held very close to the original – In fact every scene in the trailer for the original film was in the remake.
All that having been said, this ranks as one of the best films of this or any year. Jeff Bridges plays a much rougher Rooster, and Hailee Steinfeld a bit more mature Mattie than her predecessor, Kim Darby. The cast is rounded out by Matt Damon who portrays the Texas ranger who tries to horn in on Mattie's hunt for her father's murderer. Glen Campbell played this role in the original film.
The film is warm, funny and at the same time sad. For some reason you don't seem any more concerned than Mattie that three men are hanged before your eyes in the first scene, just another day in the wild west. That scene sets the mood for what is to come, mayhem, death, and more death. It is shot in the beautiful Texas hill country that screams western and adventure.
The movie doesn't miss a beat from them moment Cogburn begins to tie himself in knots explaining to a court his killing of some baddies until he and Mattie, with some help from Ranger Leboef, do track down the killer. Don't worry, there is never any doubt as to how the movie will end…you can see it in Mattie's determination.
The Coens' screenplay is marvelous and you are well into the story before you realize that everyone is speaking in that formal English folks, even those with limited education, used in the late 1800s.
Jeff Bridges deserves any award he may receive for this role as frankly he is unrecognizable as the bawdy, drunken, take no prisoners marshal. Hailee Steinfeld at 14 is a rising star. You will see her name above the title soon.
Go see this movie. It erases the crapola that Hollywood has been producing and reminds you of an art form you thought was lost.
JVH
UPDATE: I have gotten some flack for not mentioning "The King's Speech." I did a short review back late November, and I agree, it was a super movie. I'm glad I don't have to choose. J
2 Responses
Hey, Van Horn, parking afficianado and movie critic, while I enjoyed True Grit (the remake), the following movies from the holiday season rate even better: The King’s Speech, Black Swan, Social Network (actually, pre-Thanksgiving), and The Fighter, which along with Social Network are the best movies of the year!! Take that, Gunslinger!
I commented on King’s Speech in November and made a note about it above. I totally agree and think it should win em all. However I haven’t seen Black Swan, Social Network or the Fighter. I will append my “king’s Speech comment here:
The Kings Speech – We redeemed ourselves after seeing Tangled and Morning Glory by seeing what may be the best movie of the year, certainly the best acted. Colin Firth plays British prince Albert (Bertie to his family) , who had a debilitating stutter and needed help gaining confidence as it was becoming evident that his brother Edward VII was going to abdicate to marry Wallace Simpson. This story layered on the upcoming WWII and England’s need for a strong monarch ads punch to Firth’s work with speech therapist Lionel Logue, played by Geoffrey Rush, who goes on to become one of the King’s lifelong friends. When I was standing in line to get my parking ticket validated, I overheard the folks behind me saying that they didn’t know that Firth had the “acting chops” to play such a demanding role. Well, suffice it to say that he does, and supported by such greats as Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacoby, Michael Gambon and Guy Pierce those chops just might bring the actor a nod at the Academy. There are strong dramatic moments, but also hilarious ones, too, as Logue not only changes Bertie’s physical way of speech, but his self-worth, as well.
I would add that Goeffrey Rush deserves Best Supporting Actor. I have been told by those that have seen all of the above John listed, that there is a good chance the King’s Speech could walk away with it all. But I’m prejudiced. I was in the UK when it was being filmed in the B and B I normally use when I’m there. Most of the interiors were shot in the 18th century house on Portland Place in London. Got to meet Colin Firth. Neat, huh. JVH