True Grit

True Grit

I will see any film directed (and written) by Joel and Ethan Coen. They are truly unique. They have adapted the book by the same name.

There are two main stars in this wonderful western. The young Hailee Steinfeld plays a 14 year old Mattie Ross. She almost steals the show and will definitely be nominated for an Oscar. She does share the accolades with Jeff Bridges who will probably also be nominated for his role as the tough, drinking, trigger happy Cogburn. You can hardly understand a word he says because he mumbles and seems to grunt between clenched teeth. He is brilliant in his acting.

The film opens with a quote from Proverbs, ”The wicked flee when non pursued.”

The wicked are indeed pursued big time in this western. Mattie goes to town to claim her father’s body. He was killed by one of his workers for 2 gold pieces and a horse. Mattie is a 14 year old child. She is so adorable with her long braids. She is also a smooth talker with a fierce determination. She is going to bring the killer to justice. She spends the night in a funeral home with 3 dead bodies because she didn’t have the funds for a hotel.

She bargains with a horseman to buy a horse and beats him at his own game.

She hires Cogburn to trace the killer. He is not prepared when she announces she is going with him. It was humorous and also touching to see the old curmudgeon with this fast talking young girl head out in the wilds of Indian territory to pursue a killer.

The film takes us on a rough ride. They face trials and tribulations at every turn. Poor Mattie faces a snake bite after falling into a large sunken hole. She is taken by Cogburn on the ride of her life as he dashes to get help. Even the horse can’t maintain that speed and Cogburn runs carrying the ill Mattie. At one point her adversary has his foot on her head and a gun faced toward her. She overcomes all her problems.

The film is fun but there are also the typical bloody scenes one expects in a western. There are hangings and shootings. I didn’t even have to cover my eyes because it is all handled in a way that was manageable.

It is a western so you know that it will all end up with the ‘good guys’ winning. Matt Damon plays the role of another cowboy, La Boeuf, who encounters the wrath of Cogburn. I found it rather humorous when he rides off on his horse with a visible bullet hole in the back of his jacket. His tongue is almost severed but he manages to talk in the next scenario.

The cinematography is wonderful. I loved the scene of Cogburn and Mattie riding their horses into the wild lands. They are seen in shadow and it is a beautiful sight. The music is sow ell suited to highlight the drama. Apparently the score was based on 19^th century Protestant hymns.

This is an entertaining film well produced and well acted. It is a stellar cast. You are in for a good ride.