True Grit

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is True Grit. Written and Directed by Ethan & Joel Coen. Based on the novel True Grit. Written by Charles Portis

100th review countdown....#98

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images.

Runtime: 110 min

Cast

Jeff Bridges - Rooster Cogburn

Hailee Steinfeld - Mattie Ross

Matt Damon - LaBoeuf

Josh Brolin - Tom Chaney

Barry Pepper - Lucky Ned Pepper


It's that time of year. We all know what that means. Another Coen Bros film to take in. This seems more like a ritual than coincidence. No matter what you call it. It works for them. And if it takes this long for the dynamic duo to come out with their latest and greatest then it's well worth the wait.

Following the death of her father. 14 year old Mattie Ross sets out to find the killer and bring him to justice. To do this she employs the service of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn. A man that carries a reputation of always finding his man....dead but found. Against his wishes, Mattie accompanies him on the hunt for her father's murderer. Along the way they are met by Texas Ranger LaBeouf who's in pursuit of the same man for a different crime. Together the trio set out on the same singular goal but with three very different final outcomes in mind.

The Coen Brothers strike again. There's no other way I can put it. These two masters of film making have once again reminded us what a movie's basic and most important function is.

Storytelling.

Their writing ability is no secret to anyone who pays attention. It's their ability to take you back to a time where people said and did things that we only experienced from books is what continues to amaze me. They showcase a vision that can't be contained. The subtle and not so subtle use of "language" is superbly on display here. When I say language, I don't mean profanity.

I'm speaking specifically to the vernacular used in this period of history that the film takes place. Since we are in the wild west, every character comes well equipped with an accent and speaking style just as visible as their guns. The jargon tossed out is on point with what we are expected to see and it's delivered with the right amount of inflection needed to get the point across.

The brothers wizardry doesn't stop with the pen. They complete the task by detailing every other aspect of this film with the exact elements that ensures it's success.

Cast

Cinematography

Editing

The cast is STELLAR! Which should come as no surprise to a Coen Bros film. Jeff Bridges as Cogburn just comes at you with a teeth cutting performance. He slogs around in a drunken stupor spewing his dialogue with one of the strongest Arkansas twangs I have ever heard. His presence commands your attention in spite of his physical deficiencies. As flawed as he may appear, he leaves no doubt in your mind that at any point he can and will kick your ass.

Matt Damon is well Matt Damon. Need I say more? He can play any role and do it with his eyes closed. His plays LaBeouf with the toughness of a Texas Ranger but with a hint of education that implies a higher sense of status among Cogburn and Mattie. This makes him a tad on the annoying side but it works because he gives you a welcome imbalance of stupid tough guys that litter the wild west.

Finally we have the film's breakout performance from 14 year old Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie. This girl was amazing. Mattie showcases her superior intellect among the savvy businessmen in town while maintaining an insatiable desire for vengeance. Her dialogue is razor sharp and Hailee cuts through it sharper. There's no doubt that the brothers guided her well but her acting chops shine through in her performance. This young lad has a bright future in this business.

Expect all 3 to get Oscar nominations.

The Coen Bros do their best to keep the same crew around them when they make their film and this holds no truer than their Director of Photography Roger Deakins. He's shot 14 of the brothers films and has been nominated for 8 Academy Awards and sadly has come away empty handed. Some call it unfortunate. I call it CRIMINAL! You want proof of how great a shooter this man is?

Look no further than the first shot of the film. I say no more about it. You must see it.

Finally we come to the cutting of the film by world renowned Film Editor Roderick Jaynes. What is it that makes Roderick Jaynes so world renowned you ask? He is Ethan and Joel Coen. They have been cutting their films on their own since their very first film. What is more impressive is that they've had final cut control of all their films. That's unbelievable. I can't remember a director having final cut control of their films at the outset of their film careers. In any case it's paid off on both sides of the coin. The brothers get to make the film they want in the edit room and the audience enjoys the fruits of their labor.

You put all of this together and you got yourself another Coen classic worthy of it's place among the many classics that came before it.

This ones a Best Picture contender and possible winner. No question.

On the 5 star scale. True Grit gets the full house 5 stars with a big time "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.

These guys continue to crank out films that challenge themselves to top it's predecessor. Not only is the challenge met. It's exceeded. It's curious how they seem display their expertise right around the time the calendar turns toward awards season. Take that for what you will. We as an audience are the true winners in the end.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is The King's Speech and if you've been following along that will make film #99.

Just one more to go.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"