Review: True Grit (2010)

When I first saw True Grit not long after its release, I didn't quite understand it. Here was a film that seemed to be a straightforward revenge tale, but with an ending that, at the time, seemed a bit of a downer. However, I have now revisited the film, and have done so with a far better knowledge of the style that the Coen Brothers have carefully cultivated, and now I can say that I have come to an understanding with the film, and in doing so, have found yet another excellent western to add to my list of favorite movies.

The Coen Brothers take Charles Portus' 1968 novel and adapted it nearly word for word, without aping or mimicking the famed and beloved 1969 John Wayne starring, Henry Hathaway directed film adaptation. Here, the Coen's create a quiet, carefully created film that takes its time, gently unwinding it's simple tale of the yearning for righteous judgement, and the consequences thereof in a manner that feels heartfelt and true. There's no sense of subversion or deconstruction of the western genre, or the original novel. Instead, it's the sense that the Coen's truly love the book, and took on the adaptation with a sense of reverence and sincerity, and in doing so, crafted a truly rewarding film.

Shot with heart stopping simplistic beauty by longtime collaborator Roger Deakins, and supported by a hymn-derived, heartfelt score from equally longtime collaborator Carter Burwell, True Grit is a film that tells the story of young Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), whose father is gunned down by wandering thief Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Determined to seek justice for her father's death, the determined fourteen year old seeks out the help of a grizzled, hard drinking US Marshall named Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn, who begrudgingly takes her case. The unlikely pair set out, joined by talkative Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), and the trio forms a quirky, offbeat, bickering friendship on the trail as they journey across field and stream to find the elusive Chaney.

Much of the film's simple, understated charm comes from the organic and natural chemistry of the main trio. Steinfeld manages to hold her own brilliantly across from veterans Bridges and Damon, filling her character with steadfast determination and fire, and a true sense of precociousness without loosing likability or reliability. Unwilling to ever take 'no' for an answer, she almost single-handedly keeps the trio together, and ultimately gives justice to her father, albeit paying with the loss of her arm to a snake bite. During her journey, we see the bond between Mattie and Rooser grow as the pair share conversations, and while Rooster seems to at first loathe young Mattie, as the film goes on we see him develop an almost fatherly sentiment towards her.

Speaking of Rooster, Bridges' performance is absolutely stellar, from his heavy slurring drawl, to his ornery personality, Rooster is a character that, in the hands of a lesser actor or screenwriter(s), could have easily been detestable. But instead, we see a man that, despite all evidence to the contrary, truly believes in justice, and truly has True Grit. He may be a drunkard, and he may be nasty at times, but deep down, he truly cares for Mattie, and in the end, nearly sacrifices everything to keep her safe.

Matt Damon was unjustly snubbed a nomination for his role as the talkative, erstwhile yet somewhat out of his depth Texas Ranger LaBoeuf. A man proud to be from Texas, and to be a Texas Ranger, he's got a big ego, but is ultimately lovable, and deeply sincere in his belief in justice. His relationship with Mattie is offbeat, but earnest in its friendliness, and despite him being the subject to much comedic suffering, he ultimately pulls through, and shows he really is a noble man.

The rest of the cast, ranging from Josh Brolin to Barry Pepper to Domhnall Gleeson, are all pitch perfect, from Brolin slovenly yet dangerous Tom Chaney to Barry Pepper's scuzzy outlaw Ned Pepper, whom Chaney is riding with, everybody's top notch, and, in standard Coen Brothers fashion, completely blended with their character, no matter how small.

The cinematography by Roger Deakins is some of the most beautiful ever put to screen, with the subtle interplay of shadow and light (be it from campfire or the sun) creating a painterly series of images. Perfectly setting a mood of rustic, almost melancholic nostalgia, it helps give the film a gentle balm like feel, and is vital to the tone of the film.

Carter Burwell's score, derived from an array of well known and obscure American hymns, is moving and heartfelt, and provides a perfect support for the film. It feels like an old friend, telling you a story at it's own, gentle pace, and it fits perfectly.

The film's ultimate message is an interesting one. While unambiguously melancholic, it avoids feeling depressing by instead having the aura of a folktale, and the simple truth it states: If the cause is righteous, the truth shall be upheld and justice served, but alas, however righteous the cause, the dogged pursuit of revenge will always have consequences. Life isn't easy, and justice isn't always easily gained, and, no matter what, punishment comes, one way or another.

So, in the end, I really was unexpectedly moved by the film, and it leaves me feeling strangely peaceful and at rest. When I first saw it, I missed those subtleties, and expected something more resembling a conventional Western. But True Grit isn't your standard western, but instead more of a gentle morality play that happens to be set in the old west, and it's ultimately a rewarding film.

5 out of 5 stars.