The Coen Brothers’ version of True Grit differs from the iconic John Wayne version chiefly by being true to the classic Charles Portis novel. The Coen Brothers revel in the black humor that ran through that darkly comic novel and it shows up on the screen. Much of the baroque dialogue is taken directly from the novel. Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross, the 14-year-old intent on avenging her murdered father, and Jeff Bridges as U.S. Marshal Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn dominate the screen. Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Barry Pepper ably assist. If you haven’t seen this new version of True Grit, you’re missing a fine movie. GRADE: A
Amen to that.
CBS SUNDAY MORNING has a story on Kim Darby and Hailee Steinfeld this morning, Bob. I can’t wait to hear what they have to say.
I thought they were both great in the role. And I liked Wayne as well as Bridges. Now Glen Campbell was easily bested by Damon. This version was of course better but we have such superior editing, sets and other things now. I still retain a fondness for the first version and I think it’s because Wayne seemed to bring something special to the role–the idea that a mission could change a man. Or maybe I just read that into it. liked both a lot.
I’m with you, Patti. Both the John Wayne version and the Coen Brothers version of TRUE GRIT are wonderful movies. I’m hoping Hailee Steinfeld wins an Oscar.
We plan to see this one real soon. It would be hard for Damon not to best Glen Campbell, but otherwise I liked the first one a lot.
I can’t say enough about Jeff Bridges’ performance, Jeff. If he hadn’t just won a Best Actor Oscar, I’d be rooting for Bridges to win one for this role. He nails it.
Thanks to you, George, I read the novel last year and it increased my enjoyment of the movie, which I liked quite a lot until I reflected afterward that I had paid $8.50 to see Art Scott in an eye patch
Did you notice that Jeff Bridges (aka, Art Scott) wore his eyepatch on his right eye while John Wayne wore his eyepatch over his left eye, Dan?