True Grit

“True Grit” brings back the western to American theaters with perfect acting, flawless script and story that will keep audiences watching.

Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfield) is fourteen years-old when her father is killed by Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Determined to see her father’s murderer brought to justice she employees a man of “true grit” to capture Chaney.

The man she chooses is Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a one-eyed, whiskey-loving U.S. Marshall. Cogburn seeks help from LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) a Texas Ranger who’s been trailing Chaney since he shot a senator in Texas. When the two realize that Mattie is not only determined to have Chaney brought to justice but to travel with them so the three embark on the hunt.

From the second “True Grit” starts it draws in the audience’s attention and hold on to it for the whole film. The plot is never dragged out, or shortened. The action that is in the film helps tell the story instead of deterring from it.

Surprisingly the film is quite humorous as well. There is lots of comical exchanges between all the characters. In one scene Cogburn and LaBoeuf have a shooting competition after LaBoeuf doubts Cogburns aim due to his single eye. The humor helps the journey in the film to be more enjoyable, rather than keeping it dry and serious, the dialogue lightens the mood and entertains audiences.

The cast in “True Grit” fails to disappoint as well. Bridges, Damon and newcomer Steinfield perform their roles with believability and consistency. The actors disappear into their roles, making them unrecognizable, both visually and in character. The diversity of the characters also adds to the story by adding conflicting characters and ideals.

Mattie is a strong central character. She is unwavering in her decision to go after Chaney. She is also a shrewd, fast-taking business-woman who sticks with it until she either gets a good deal or gets what she wants. She refused to take no for an answer. All her characteristics are displayed perfectly by Steinfield not performing too strong or too light. Mattie’s characteristics combined with Steinfields acting make her character not only believable but likable. Mattie is a heroine that audiences enjoy rooting for.

Cogburn is a tough, gruff and “too old and fat” as he puts it. However, he is fearless and knows how to use a gun. At first he wants nothing to do with Mattie, but after her persistence (and money offer) he accepts. Bridges portrays Cogburn with honesty and is not afraid to show audiences Cogburn’s not-so-likable qualities.

LaBoeuf is proud to be a Texas Ranger and is almost as determined as Mattie to bring Chaney to justice. However, he wants Chaney to hang in Texas, not in Fort Smith. LaBoeuf has disagreements with Mattie, she doesn’t think he’s the right man to find Chaney, and he doesn’t want to bring a strong-headed girl on their trip. He also has issues with Cogburn who he thinks is a little too trigger-happy. Throughout the film displays his bravery and loyalty. Damon plays LaBoeuf with realism convincing audiences that he is LaBoeuf not Matt Damon.

“True Grit” also contains sweeping cinematography (Roger Deakins)that takes the audience through the setting. Along with a well-written score (Carter Burwell) that has a little country twang to it. Also the costumes (Mary Zophres) fit the time-period as well as the personalities of characters who wear them.

“True Grit” is a well-acted, well-scripted western that grabs audiences and pulls them into the story. There are no distractions and keeps a realistic feeling. “True Grit” is worth the time, and perhaps worth a few Oscars as well.