[Review] True Grit (2011) - 28th February 2011

★★★★★★★ - Good [For rating system, see information tab at the top of blog]
- Release Date: 11th Of February (UK)

-
Director: Ethan & Joel Coen
-
Writers: Ethan & Joel Coen (Screenplay) Charles Portis (Novel) 
-
Cast: Jeff Bridges - Matt Damon - Josh Brolin - Hailee Stienfeld - Barry Pepper

Review

The original ‘True Grit’, released in 1969 saw John Wayne win his only Academy Award, and resulted in the release of one of the most famous western films in history. Consequently, I was apprehensive about how the remake was to be constructed. However, my mind was set at ease with the realization that the Coen brothers did what they do best, and created yet another excellent film in this genre.

‘True Grit’ is one of the few remakes that could be considered better than the original. Its casting, performances, direction, script, costumes and cinematography contribute to a film that is gripping, entertaining and moving.

Performances from Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld are of the highest quality, while supporting roles from Matt Damon and Josh Brolin create excellent screen chemistry. The cast as a whole generates a feeling of acceptance for the audience to relate to, even though most modern day audiences would find it hard to truly relate to a life in the West.

The Coen brothers have always been praised on making simplistic films that are true to reality; ‘A Serious Man’ and Oscar winning ‘No Country For Old Men’ are examples of this, and ‘True Grit’ is no exception: The brothers wrote the screenplay to reflect the original novel by Charles Portis as closely as possible; many of the sets and much of the dialogue used in the 2011 version are the same as the first film, and subsequently the book, changed only by the Coen brother’s unique style of direction – From the opening scene, an anchoring shot of a traditional western saloon accompanied by a voice over instantly re-engages you to the Coen brothers comfortable directional conventions, always putting substance before style. 

True Grit, the original in 1969 was an excellent film, and the Coen brothers knew this – so they remade it with their own twist, an input that has bettered the film and re awoken modern day cinema to the world of Westerns.

True Grit, another film thoroughly deserving of its awards and nominations.