Coens Stay 'True' to Form

(Originally ran January 16th, 2011)

The latest from the legendary Coen Brothers is "True Grit," a story full of gunpowder, gore and unexpected giggles. With a stellar cast, outstanding script and their trademark style, "True Grit" is sure to be a shoe-in for Oscar nominations this February.

The story of "True Grit" is centered around a 14-year-old girl named Mattie Ross, played by Hailee Steinfeld, who vows revenge after her father is killed in cold blood by Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). She hires U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track down Chaney, but not without her assistance. The unlikely duo runs into Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) and together the trio travel through Indian Territory in the fall of 1877 on a search for Chaney and The Pepper Gang.

The Coen Brother's style is written and displayed all over this movie. From scenes filled with fresh, fluid and interesting dialogue, a scene merely consisting of talk about horse trading, to the scenes drenched with suspense as the audience waits to see if Cogburn will be able to take down a criminal from miles away with nothing but a rifle and one eye.

Bridges and Damon play off each other as if they have acted in countless movies before, but Steinfeld is truly the one who shocks the crowd. She holds her own and often steals the scene from veterans Damon and recent Oscar winner Bridges.

Although Steinfeld is the star, Bridges and Damon bring a comedic and, at times, serious feel to the movie. Brolin brings something new to the screen, coming from an all around tough guy from the Coens' film "No Country for Old Men" back in 2007, to a bumbling killer in "True Grit." He shows he is not going to be a typecast actor with a lot more to offer than just good looks.

Though it is strange to see the Coens take on the western, a genre which seemed all but dead in recent years, they bring it to life with superb directing, allowing this adaptation to flourish.

Ross is one of the reasons this movie is not just a straight gun-toting Western, but a movie with a mind and soul. Seeing a 14-year-old girl, especially in the 1800s, act so strong and self-reliant is a shock. She never backs down, even against aggressors more than three times her age. She has the tenacity of an old soul trapped in the body of a girl. This may have seemed like an extremely difficult role for someone so young to take on, but 14-year-old Steinfeld masters the role beautifully.

"True Grit" is based on Charles Portis' 1968 novel of the same name. However, unlike the John Wayne vehicle of 1969, the Coens truly bring the novel to life for the first time, utilizing much of the original dialogue of the novel and allowing actors to pull off some interesting stunts. They are able to display their trademark of dark comedy, particularly in a scene where Damon gets a bit "tongue-tied."

Their use of humor really helps the audience feel more for the characters and hope everyone accomplishes their goals in the end. Through it all, the audience is part of the journey. The Coens are able to grab the audience by throwing in words or phrases that probably have not been heard in decades. Such as "poke" which means a sack or "let it knit" which would mean to let something heal on its own. These little splashes of legitimacy thrust the viewer back into a lost time and was done perfectly.

"True Grit" may not be on the top of everyone's list, but it definitely needs to be. A heavy-hitting cast, phenomenal directors and a fresh look at an old Western story to boot, this movie will not allow itself to be overlooked.

"True Grit" receives a 9 out of 10.