By Isaac Siegemund-Broka
Entertainment Web Editor
And Zack Gill
Staff Writer
The Coen Brothers’ “True Grit” is a beautiful and complex genre piece that is successful in all that it attempts to be.
In the film, Reuben J. Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) is an aggressive U.S. Marshall—indecent and merciless but somehow likeable. Underneath a shroud of drunkenness and resentment he is truly amiable and compassionate. Cogburn’s composed vigor and skill as a marshall builds a certain mystique and strength that Bridges’ exceptional acting conveys.
Fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross (Haliee Steinfeld) becomes bent on revenge after an outlaw by the name of Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) kills her father. She finds Cogburn and they, along with Texas Ranger Le Boeuf (Matt Damon), set out to find and kill Chaney. Steinfeld plays her first major role superbly, relating a prudent, strong-hearted and admirable character.
With the addition of Brolin’s grizzly and belligerent portrayal of Chaney and Damon’s humorous but sweet hubris as La Boeuf, “True Grit” contains some of the year’s best acting.
The Coen Brothers are notorious for convoluted, cynical and confusing themes often centered on the pointlessness of life. “True Grit” deviates from this label slightly and dabbles in multiple ideas (it could even be considered merely a genre picture if not for the peculiarity of the Coens).
Various themes of life, nature, adulthood and violence are thrown around as Ross stumbles through the brutality of her world while trying to keep her head above water. However, the Coens refrained from getting too eccentric, adhering closely to Charles Portis’ 1968 novel “True Grit” on which the movie is based.
The Coen Brothers are masters of their craft, so it’s no surprise that the writing and direction of “True Grit” are outstanding. From Damon’s prideful obsession with his position as a Texas Ranger to Steinfeld’s passionate rants, the dialogue in “True Grit” conveys nuances about each character while maintaining a general flow to the film. Under the guidance of the Coens, Bridges, Damon and Steinfeld imbue their characters with idiosyncratic forms of heart and pathos.
If the Coens supply the vision fueling “True Grit,” it is cinematographer Roger Deakins that truly brings that vision to life. Deakins has worked with the Coens since 1991’s masterful “Barton Fink” and is more than familiar with their style. In every collaboration with the Coens, he brings the visual flair needed to bring their often confounding and labyrinthine screenplays to life.
“True Grit” is Deakins,’ as well as the Coens,’ most impressive film to date. From its muted color palette to impressive, unobtrusive lighting (a feat of its own, as the great majority of the film takes place outside), this film is perfect for the big screen.
Each cinematic aspect of “True Grit,” is a feat in of itself. The film is rated PG-13 and playing in theaters everywhere.
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