“True Grit” is the Coen Brothers’ most heroic, straight forward tale, and for me their most satisfying. I read that Directors and Writers Joel and Ethan Coen were passionate fans of the novel by Charles Portis. Their “True Grit” is more a reverent homage of the novel, than a remake of “True Grit” starring John Wayne, who won an Oscar for his role as U. S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn. Jeff Bridges powerfully assumes the role of Rooster. Still retained is the magnificent heroic arc as Rooster screams, “I aim to kill you!” as he rides his horse, guns blazing in both hands taking on 4 outlaw killers. Where the original “True Grit” took liberties with the book (which I was not aware of previously), the Coens’ remain true to the cannon, including the first person narrative of Mattie Ross—this time with Hailee Steinfeld reprising Kim Darby’s role. Newcomer 14 year-old Steinfeld is amazing. Matt Damon solidly plays Texas Ranger LaBoeuf—the Glenn Campbell role. Damon is such a versatile actor.
In the original “True Grit” John Wayne won his Academy Award for playing his larger than life self as Rooster Cogburn with ease and grace. Contrastingly, Jeff Bridges authentically inhabits Cogburn as the drunken broken down man coming to terms with his own mortality, who still possesses the vestiges of grit. Bridges is inspired as the reluctant powerful protector. Young Hailee Steinfeld is a revelation. Steinfeld understatedly captures Mattie, who is also 14 years-old. She is no nonsense precocious and razor sharp. One can discern her disarming intelligence in her eyes. She displays this in a whimsical scene where she diffuses an argument between Bridges and Damon. She commands the Coens’ dialogue with such élan.
Mattie seeks vengeance for the murder of her father by Tom Chaney (strong Josh Brolin). Chaney is in asylum with outlaw Ned Pepper (grungy evil Barry Pepper) and his crew in the Indian Nations, so only U.S. Marshalls have jurisdiction to apprehend fugitives there. Therefore, Mattie hires Marshall Cogburn, because he has “true grit”. Mattie aims to see Chaney hanged in her home state or brought back dead. Steinfeld is brilliant as the teen unknowingly forfeiting her innocence for revenge with her eyes wide open. She naturally balances the stridence of youth, and the painful vulnerability of youthful ignorance. As often as she has Bridges and Damon on their intellectual heels, she is beholding to them for her very life. And Steinfeld lets us know that as well.
The Coens’ envision “True Grit” as stark and barren existential treatise. Our heroes weather the harsh winter storms and lifeless wastelands as they track down their wanted man. The cinematography of Roger Deakins is beautiful and mesmerizing. Paradoxically, “True Grit” is rock solid with stellar performances, but not awesome. Hailee will probably win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (strange in that she occurs as the lead). Their “True Grit” asymptotically approaches the masterpiece of Eastwood’s “Unforgiven”, but never touches.
I think I have decoded the Coens’ operating practice—at least for me. As opposed to T.S. Eliot, the world does not end with a bang; it just ends. The end may be the undoing of the Coens’ “True Grit”. There is certain hollowness. I loved the 1969 “True Grit” including the heroic hokum. In the amazing epilogue Kim Darby’s Mattie has a touching conversation with Wayne’s Cogburn at her father’s snow covered grave. Every time I see that I am in tears. The Coens’ “True Grit” has a lyrical eloquence and resonance. However, it fails to touch your soul.
“True Grit” is masterfully sculpted, uncompromising storytelling, and amazingly entertaining. Jeff Bridge is powerful. Hailee Steinfeld is awesome. That being said, “True Grit” comes up a little short in touching and inspiring. Ultimately, what is disappointing is that “True Grit” fails to touch your heart. Understandably, touching the heart is relative and local. And it is still the most noble intention of all.
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