True Grit (2010)

So many movies get remade these days. So many franchises (in particular of the horror genre) get a reboot. Most of them suck or are at least a total waste. But every once in a while there is a film coming along that is just as good or even superior to the original. True Grit is one of them. And who did doubt that considering a fantastic line-up of stars and of course with the direction and screenwriting in the hands of some of the finest guys in the business, Joel and Ethan Coen.

That said I have to point out that this is not a prime example of their work.
It is pretty different from what they normally do and much more straightforward in terms of writing and storytelling. Certainly they still gave their own touch to it.

From what I've heard this version is closer to the book by Charles Portis than the 1969 western that starred John Wayne.

The plot is really not a big deal. It tells the story of Mattie Ross, played by the only 14 year-old newcomer Hailey Steinfeld, who tries to find the murderer of her father, Tom Chaney. What a great role so early in a career and she nails it. She is also the narrator of the tale.

Mattie is a tough and smart girl but she is also young and a little naive. She is always aware of what she is doing though she probably wouldn't if it were not for justice. There are the moments when she proudly talks about the great adventure she is about to embark on in a message to her mother. Then there are the moments when we are reminded that she is still a little girl like when she is talking to her horse or compares the search for a murderer with a racoon hunt.

She certainly needs and seeks help. But who is the most ruthless headhunter in town?
She eventually hires Rooster Cogburn, a US marshal, wonderfully played by fresh Oscar winner Jeff Bridges. Furthermore there is another candidate, a proud but underestimated texas ranger named LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) who has long been chasing Chaney for another crime. He teams up with Rooster (and Mattie) against her wishes after she had rejected his offer to find Chaney for her.
Both the marshal and the ranger try to impress the little girl with their status and experience but she is too bright for them and both have their credibility and/or reputation damaged.
Rooster is old, fat (as he admits himself), moody and an alcoholic and his great times are long gone and
LaBeouf is ... well, he is a texas ranger with the liability for some cheesy lines and showing off.

Though as the movie progresses we realize Cogburn inside is (still) a good and righteous man and LaBeouf is actually someone you can count on when things get rough.

The first two acts of the film show this trio on their journey through bleak but beautifully photographed terrain. They are very much fun together.

Chaney is offscreen for most of the time. Sadly ... I really would have loved to see more of Josh Brolin though the little screentime he has suits his character and is enough to give us a good impression about what kind of a guy Chaney is. A nobody. A big loser who never achieved anything in his life and probably never will. He is not the smartest too but even a totally crazy guy has a higher position in the gang headed by Barry "Lucky Ned" Pepper he joined and follows now.
Therefore he is not a very memorable villain but I am not sure if this can be considered as a flaw. The film is very much playing in the moment. The major conflict is not in the focus. The showdown is handled pretty directly and quickly.

As seen in great films like Fargo for instance, the Coens do a wonderful job establishing the characters.
This film shows us that it is less important what you tell but how you tell it.
In a lesser film we would be stuck on the surface and as I said the basic story is not an extraordinary one.
Superficially regarded some people may even consider it a let down.
But aside of this essential storyline the film really concentrates on the characters and they are wonderful.
They are sharply drawn and played by a terrific cast that allows us to sink deep into the heart of the film and fill us with joy and affection.
Especially seeing it a second time I could really focus on the details and it really got me involved and was probably more satisfying than the first viewing.

Besides that the level of craftsmanship is of course top notch. The gunfights, though there are few of them, are really exciting.
The cinematography by Roger Deakins is stunning throughout. I wonder when he will finally recieve an oscar after his ninth nomination for True Grit.

This is not quite up there with the Coen's masterpieces but still a very fine western.
Certainly this was one of their most conventional projects but they mastered it with seemingly no effort.

One can easily say that the Coens are simply men with true grit.