Review: True Grit

True Grit (15 Certificate)
110 mins - Drama, Western - Released 11.02.11
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Scott Rudin, Josh Brolin

With their 15th entry to the silver screen, the Coen Brothers are looking to secure the top spot in the UK box office with True Grit!

True Grit will be the second film adaptation of the 1968 Charles Portis novel of the same name. The first adaptation in 1969 starred John Wayne, which he received an Academy Award for Best Actor as a result of his performance. The Coen Brothers are looking to beat their predecessor in their first outing into the American Western genre. The genre has gathered dust since the height of it’s glory days around the time of The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. Although there have been entries into the genre since, none have quite captured the classic tones of adventure, quest, wilderness and survival of the Wild West like stalwarts of the genre. That is until now.

The story of True Grit revolves around Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), a 14 year-old girl with a head-strong determination to avenge her father’s death at the hands of the coward, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Fully aware that her capabilities are limited at the age of 14, Mattie Ross enlists the help of a U.S. Marshall, however she doesn’t sway the help of the best U.S. Marshall nor the most knowledgeable for the task. She pursues the one which is the most ruthless, the one who is known to possess “True Grit”, U.S. Marshall Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges). Along the way they are teamed up with Texas Ranger LaBouef (Matt Damon) who is also after Chaney but for his own reasons.

LaBouef (Matt Damon)

The trio set off after Chaney into the Indian territories where they face not only a criminal but the wilderness and the unknown. Here True Grit really sets itself apart and the essence of the Wild West is captured in all it’s glory and savagery. All the decisions made have to be thought through and complacency can become fatal. Even an essential daily act such as sleeping needs to be considered. For instance the size of a flame and setting up camp could attract the attention of marauders or nature’s deadly predators.

Roger Deakins' cinematography does a faultless job of capturing the visual spectacle of the wilderness. As dangerous as it is, the wilds are stunning and vast. Obviously compared to the 1969 adaptation, the Coen Brothers version of True Grit will have a number of advantages in terms of cinematography, however the area which seals the deal, is the night time filming. Dark enough to blanket the terrain, while illuminating enough to identify the characters, True Grit plays on the primal fear of darkness and the unknown in such a way that will turn the audience back into cautious kids. While the trio’s pace slows down at night, the action never bogs down.

The dialogue remains sharp and witty through the whole journey, however viewers should be warned to keep a sharp ear and focus as some of the speech is heavily laced with mannerisms and quirks which contemporary viewers may be unaccustomed to. True Grit should certainly not be watched when drowsy as the comedy is selective to the viewer that pays attention. one liners are limited to classics while most of the witty dialogue is like a track of dominoes, punch lines are triggered after a careful setup. Thankfully, the cast is able to execute the accents flawlessly while keeping them accessible to a modern audience so dialogue becomes a far from gruelling task.

Bridges’ performance is nothing surprising for an actor of his calibre. It’s strong and delightfully witty as his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn is one of a lawman who has seen many winters in his life. Quintessentially American, Rooster only pursues ventures in his best interests. Rumoured to ruthlessly kill his mark as opposed to capture, as a simple kill presents a safer although less honour-bound option. That being said, he is not without honour. Rooster does follow his own moral code which does at times come in conflict with the one laid down by the law but his code of conduct does keeps his character as a force of good.

As Matt Damon’s résumé builds, he becomes a much more seasoned actor and his performance as LaBoeuf is a testament to his growing experience. A chatty lawman, LaBouef continually boasts of the abilities of ‘the’ Texas Rangers however a dash of insecurity is mixed in which makes Matt Damon’s skill-set perfect for the role of LaBeouf, another deep portrayal of a character who is capable yet insecure.

The true spotlight does go to Hollywood newcomer Hailee Steinfeld in her role as Mattie Ross. It’s difficult to think of anyone else that could have executed such a complex yet innocent character. A clever young lady, Mattie is able to match words against those at least three times her age and impressively bend them towards her will while fully aware of her own strengths and weaknesses.

Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld)

This power-cast of heroes handle themselves with gusto in the American wilderness as they happen upon strange and hostile encounters. This all makes the pursuit of Tom Chaney more than one of a manhunt and rather one of a full bona fide Western.

With a full thrust into the Western genre, the Coen Brothers have received a BAFTA for Best Cinematography as well as 7 other nominations and is nominated for a staggering 10 Academy Awards for Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Actor (Bridges), Supporting Actress (Steinfeld), Art Direction, Costume Design, Sound Mixing and Sound Editing.

True Grit is a lock for one of the must-see films this February.