When the Coen brothers announced that they were making their own version of True Grit, they said it was to be based solely on Charles Portis’ novel and not at all on the 1969 film starring John Wayne. It must say a lot for the brothers’ credibility then that since that claim was made, the often derogatory term “re-make” was all but dismissed. Regardless, whatever you believe it to be is largely irrelevant, because once again these over-achievers have pulled off another classic.
Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, a fourteen year old girl with an advanced intelligence that wishes to seek retribution against Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) who is on the run after killing her father. She enlists the help of U.S Marshall “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) and they go after him with the help of a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Matt Damon).
The trailer for this film was a little misleading. Favouring a less dialogue lead teaser and instead having a moodier feel with Johnny Cash crooning over darker elements of the film, gave the impression that we were in for a quieter more sombre affair along the lines of No Country For Old Men. This idea is extinguished almost instantly after the film starts, with the score and narration its clear we are in the territory of a much more traditional western. Within which contains genuine moments of comedy, as well as poignancy and tension, which I guess means the film has more in common with Fargo. Of course as with any Coen film, in spite of what genre they tackle, it’s the characters and performances that stand out, and here they have come out with some doozies. With Bridges and Steinfeld both up for Oscars, its unfortunate neither of them seem to have garnered the sufficient pre-event hype that surrounds anyone who wins. Colin Firth maybe favourite to take home the best actor gong this year for his effective speech impediment, but Bridges’ transformation into the old slurring world weary wino easily deserves the same recognition. Its Hailee Steinfeld though who truly stands out. Appearing in her first major role she could well have already established herself as a Hollywood heavyweight, acting alongside seasoned veterans like she’s been doing it for years. Special mention to Barry Pepper as well, who in spite of a brilliant turn, seems to be largely overlooked on the cast list.
The astute siblings have done it again, this is a masterfully crafted retribution western that ticks every box but above all, just provides awesome entertainment.
5/5
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