The Galleon - Portsmouth's Official Student Newspaper

True Grit, out in cinemas now

[Rating:8]

A remake of a Western which previously starred John Wayne probably won’t appeal to everyone. But with the Coen Brother’s directing, it takes a very modern road.

Jeff Bridges takes on the lead, playing, as he says himself, a fat old man with an eye patch, a gun, and a lot of whiskey. Also known as Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn, a US marshall from the 19th century, who pursues criminals. Newcomer, 14-year old Hailee Steinfeld takes on the female lead, as Mattie Ross, a young girl out to find the man, aka No Country for Old Men’s Josh Brolin, who murdered her father. When he flees to the lawless wilderness of Oklahoma’s Indian territory, feisty Mattie hires Rooster to aid her in her hunt. Texan lawman LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) soon complicates the hunt.

Coen Brother films are famous for their visuals, and it is no surprise that True Grit’s ten Oscar nominations included Best Art Direction, Cinematography and Costume Design. From the sweeping landscapes of Oklahoma, to shadowy camp fire scenes; from snow storms to blazing heat – every part of the visuals are stunning.

Most of the film is based around Rooster and Mattie, and the brief time they had on pursuit of her father’s murderer. Their casting is second to none. Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie as an intelligent, stubborn girl way beyond her years and is no way overwhelmed by the presence of people well far clear of her in terms of strength and ability. Jeff Bridges plays an endearing drunk naturally and borders on peProxy-Connection: keep-alive
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ection. Josh Brolin’s part is far too brief, and this is a major flaw in an otherwise enjoyable film. Although spoken about continually, he plays very little of an actual role. He has very limited time to make any impression on the audience, and is a wasted talent.

The visuals scream that this is another Western film. However, the sometimes fussy dialogue means this film isn’t the all action-packed film that some would come to expect. Despite this, understated direction and faultless performances make for a film which feels natural and creates a superb cinematic experience.