Movie review: True Grit |dfuse.in

Movie review: True Grit

Mar 15 • Movies, Reviews • 212 Views • 2 Comments

What does one get when the Coen brothers remake a John Wayne movie? According to me, the result is one of the best cinematic experiences one can hope for! I haven’t seen the original movie but from what I’ve read, John Wayne played the character of US Marshall Rooster, the same role that Jeff Bridges essays in this one.

However, this movie does not focus on Jeff Bridges or his character (though he plays it brilliantly). The Coens bring to front the character of fourteen-year old Mattie Ross, played by Hailee Steinfeld who is seen avenging her father’s murder in the wild. She is so believable on screen that for a moment or two one forgets the fact that Steinfeld is just thirteen. From her accent to the way she moves around the camera with that attitude, it is easy for one to think that Mattie is real. Matt Damon delivers brilliantly as the Texas Ranger, La Boeuf. Chaney (Josh Brolin) and Ned (Barry Pepper) are the two characters that you’ll easily be able to hate thanks to the two actors who’ve played these roles.

Roger Deakins, the man who has dealt with the lens has made sure that the film is shot in a way that the audience cannot help but fall in love with its cragginess. There are hardly any computer graphics used and the manner in which the landscape is captured is amazing. The soundtrack is lingering, but then, that comes without saying in a Coen brothers’ film.

If I were to quote other reviews on the net, especially from folks who have watched the original, they all felt that Bridges plays a more authentic Rooster than Wayne. For me, the star of the movie is undoubtedly Steinfeld who somehow is very believable on screen especially at the emotional highs when she brings Rooster and La Boeuf together or when she’s battling all odds for justice.

In spite of being nominated for 10 Oscars, this movie didn’t win any. Contrary to the Academy, I felt that Steinfeld and Bridges both deserved awards. With the fight scenes gripping the audience thoroughly and the film being shot in such a realistic setting, I feel that it was very authentic overall. Steinfeld was nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category even though she equalled Portman’s performance in Black Swan. But again, shit happens.

coen brothers jeff bridges marshall roosters oscars true grit

About the Author: Aniket Dasgupta

A self depreciating film dogmatist, Aniket has the most delusional form of existence ever possible. Being a 90s kid he cribs every-time he sees a 5 year old with an iPhone and then blogs about it after which he makes a film based on that blog. And then spams everyone on facebook about it. He is just glad that he isn't related to Chunky Pandey but we are pretty sure he is. Aniket is non religious but believes that all we need is bacon.

http://fearnloathingindia.blogspot.com/ St. Jimmy

i didn't like this one for some reason….both Matt Damon and Josh Brolin were wasted , Bridges was mumbling so much i hardly understood anything he said…. and this year the Oscars went to the right ppl
http://fearnloathingindia.blogspot.com/ St. Jimmy

but i think i need to give it another watch after i see John Wayne's coz the "absolutely" and "true" from the devout Christians in the seats next me during the opening monologue at the mention of grace of god put me off right at the beginning….but i still wouldn't have liked the Christian undertones through out the film