True Grit (2010)

Directed By: Joel and Ethan Coen

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, & Barry Pepper

MPAA Rating: PG-13

My Rating: 8 / 10

The debate of whether or not this True Grit is a remake of the 1969 film starring John Wayne has been raging for weeks now. The Coens claim they just used the original source material, the book by Charles Portis, as their inspiration. Now, while I have seen the original film, I have never read the book; thus, I'm not really going to enter into the debate of "remake vs. new adaptation," nor is it a particularly useful argument anyway. Here is all that really matters to me: True Grit (2010) is a beautifully-made film, sporting brilliant performances and a darker edge than its predecessor. Here's what also matters to me: because both the 1969 and 2010 films are so similar and because I know the original like the back of my hand, the 2010 film held less power than it could have, had it been the first to adapt the Portis novel. With most of the narrative and great stretches of dialog being almost completely identical, there are times when True Grit (2010)'s suspense and intrigue are lessened rather significantly. I say this not to be critical of the Coen brothers or their wonderful team, all of whom contributed to make an altogether wonderful film; unfortunately, that's just what happens when filmmakers choose to use already-adapted material for their film.

Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) is a precocious fourteen-year-old who seeks revenge against Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), the man who murdered her father. Hiring the drunken U.S. marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help her track down the killer and bring him to justice, she ventures with him out into the unsettled Choctaw nation, where Chaney is believed to be working with Lucky Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper), another outlaw Rooster wants to arrest. Working with Rooster and Mattie is a Texas ranger, LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who spars with Rooster on a regular basis and who, despite ultimately displaying a surprising sense of loyalty, makes pivotal mistakes that put Rooster and Mattie in grave danger. As the team grows closer and closer to catching up with Ned and Chaney, they also draw closer to a dangerous showdown that will drive Mattie to make the most difficult and deadly decisions of her young life.

The casting of Hailee Steinfeld might prove to be one of the best decisions the Coen brothers have ever made. Here she is, a relatively inexperienced girl of only fourteen, and yet she outshines her seasoned and Oscar-laden costars quite easily. Spunky and knowing, she really delves into the role of Mattie, mentally exploring the driving forces that have created such a fascinating young woman to create a fully three-dimensional character. If she doesn't receive an Oscar nomination (and perhaps even a win), it will surely be a grave injustice. And, though she is the undeniable star of the show, she is surrounded by other flawless performances as well. Jeff Bridges effortlessly separates himself from the iconic John Wayne performance, making this Rooster Cogburn his own unique creation. You won't even think to compare the two performances, a compliment to Bridges, if there ever was one. Matt Damon brings an infectious charm to LaBeouf...you won't know whether to hug him or hit him until the very end. That's just the way the character should be, I believe. The three of them together make an eclectic and ragtag group of heroes to follow; whereas True Grit (1969) was more of a strict star vehicle for John Wayne, this is more of a well-rounded ensemble drama. I warmly appreciated that new, fresh approach to the material.

Joel and Ethan Coen are no strangers to making wonderful original films. They have proven time and time again that they are two of the best (and most consistently effective) filmmakers currently working. I am then confused as to why they would choose to use the Charles Portis book as source material for a film, considering that it was already made into a great film back in 1969. And though their film is technically perfect in just about every way, it only struggles with proving why it was necessary in the first place. Certainly, the performances are brilliant, and the film is aesthetically gorgeous (in a dirt and sweat-coated kind of way), but the narrative will be instantly familiar to anyone who has seen the original film. You know how it feels when someone is telling you a joke that you already heard before? That is how I felt while watching True Grit. What's good is that this joke is being told by an expert comedian, so it's still pretty damn funny, no matter how many times you've heard it before.