Review: Coen Brothers make more magic with TRUE GRIT

   When it comes to writing a review, honesty is the best policy. Let me say from the very start that I am a fan of the Coen Brothers and everything they do. Fargo, The Big Lebowski, No Country for Old Men, A Serious Man, and even The Ladykillers, arguably their weakest film, are all excellent films that I could (and have) watch over and over again. And going into True Grit, I knew I would have the same reaction. Normally this would cause some curiosity as to whether or not I can review this film without bias. The difference here, is that this "bias" made me have two emotions entering the film: excitement and fear.

   I had heard the hype that this was a potential winner for Best Picture at the Academy Awards and one of the Coen Brother's best films. But, along with that, I had this apprehension. What if the film simply was not actually that great? What if my biggest influences in film failed to craft a film that was not only compelling, but stayed true to their style? I am, however, happy to report not only did they craft such a film, they may have crafted one of their best yet.

   The best way to look at this film is not as a remake of the 1969 film of the same name starring John Wayne, but rather as another adaptation of the 1968 novel, and a better one at that. That is not to say the 1969 film is a bad film (quite the opposite), but the Coen's vision of True Grit is much darker, more violent, and more humorous than its predecessor, which actually makes it more inline with the novel by Charles Portis. If you have only seen the 1969 film and have not read the novel, then you might be taken aback by the ending, which is closer to that of the book, and quite different from the film. Without going into details, I personally prefer the Coen's ending, as it is a much better wrap up of the events that preceded it. Another change is the point of view, again, being closer to the novel, it is told from the perspective of Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) in the first person. This makes the story more personal and helps bring out some of the smaller details left out in the 1969 film.

   True Grit is the tale of a young, 14 year old girl named Mattie Ross who seeks revenge after her father is murdered by Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). She enlists the help of U.S. Marshall Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) and Texas Ranger Le Beouf (Matt Damon) to find his killer and bring her back to her hometown where he may hang for his actions. But, Cogburn and Le Beouf have other plans for Chaney, so Mattie Ross takes it upon herself to join them in their journey through Indian Territory to find the wanted murderer and thief.

   The biggest draw to the film is the acting. And with a cast consisting of two Oscar winners and an Oscar nominee, two of which having acted in a previous film written and directed by the Coen Brothers, why shouldn't it? Jeff Bridges is always amazing to watch on the screen, but I cannot recall a time that he was so mesmerizing on screen, with the exception of perhaps his role of The Dude in The Big Lebowski. His portrayal of Cogburn is multi layered, never overacted, but never too subtle either. You know what his character is from the very start, but you see more sides to him than the dead serious strong arm of the law. There is a certain level of fun to be had with Marshall Cogburn, as even the opening scene in the courtroom shows. This mixture of humor, and later violence, is found in the novel, sure, but is a perfect example of the same mixture found in several Coen Brothers films, Fargo being the most notable.

   Matt Damon, the other Oscar winner, gives a performance that is not only memorable, but much different than his prior, and especially more recent work. His portrayal of Le Beouf is also a joy to watch, and if not for Jeff Bridges, he would be able to have the audience focus on him for the length of the entire film. Still, when the only reason you are unable to do so is simply because someone else is just THAT good, then you know you have a winning cast on your hands.

   Josh Brolin, who recieved an Oscar nomination for his work in No Country for Old Men, does very little in this film I'm afraid. But then again, it is hard to complain when his portrayal of Tom Chaney, the man who murdered Mattie Ross's father is confined by the book. That being said, his portrayal is not only unique, but is very well acted. It is probably for the best that Chaney does not take up more screen time, as it would be difficult for Brolin to compete with the likes of Damon and Bridges. That is not to say he cannot hold his own, but there is simply too much acting prowess to put up a fair fight (and that is NEVER a bad thing). Even Hallie Steinfeld is terrific as young Mattie Ross, despite this being her first film.

   Besides the inherent acting abilities of those involved, a lot can be attributed to the fact that Joel and Ethan Coen are just good writers. Its clever, always stays within the time period, and nothing is ever wasted. Their films are essentially Screenplay 101, and should be an example to any young, aspiring screenwriters. Usually violent, always filled with clever humor, True Grit does not shy away from their style, though it does tend to lean closer to No Country for Old Men than toward Burn After Reading when it comes to humor. That being said there are several laughs to be had, and it proves that comedy, GOOD comedy is not dead, and is not reliant on fart humor (which even they made somewhat funny in The Ladykillers).

   It may sound like I'm gushing over this film, but it is probably because I am. In the poll to the right, I voted for The Social Network to win Best Picture at this coming year's Academy Awards. After seeing True Grit, I'm not so sure that will happen. The Social Network was an amazing film to be sure, but True Grit is so well rounded with amazing performances from each cast member, clever writing and great direction from the Coen Brothers, and a great, compelling score to encompass the entire film, that it is hard to bet against it. Is this the best Coen Brothers film? No, I believe that title still goes to Fargo. Is it just as good as their last Oscar winner, No Country For Old Men? This humble reviewer certainly believes so, and it may very well be the best film I have seen in all of 2010. Either way you look at it, this is a must see for fans of Westerns, any of the actors involved, the Coen Brothers, or heck, just fans of movies in general. In fact, I'd be willing to bet the ranch that you will not regret seeing this film.

Directed by: Joel & Ethan Coen Written by: Joel & Ethan Coen Starring: Jeff Bridges Matt Damon Josh Brolin Hailee Steinfeld  Barry Pepper Studio: Skydance Productions Distributor: Paramount Pictures Running Time: 110 Minutes Rated PG-13

Amazing! (+) Great performances from veteran actors and a newcomer (+) Classic Coen Brothers mix of violence, humor, and suspense (+) Beautiful score adds greatly to the film (+) Visuals are unique, diverse, and draw the audience in (+) Is able to get away from "all remakes suck" (+) If you like ANY Coen Brothers film, you will enjoy it (-) Not as violent as previous films, first PG-13 rating since Intolerable Cruelty (?) Why did that 110 minutes feel like 30 seconds?