The thought of a remake of John Wayne's classic, Oscar winning western didn't excite me when I first heard about it. Even with the legendary Coen Brothers at the helm (the last time they remade a film was The Ladykillers and it wasn't a classic). However, the Coens haven't remade it but gone to the original source material and have produced one of the finest westerns since Unforgiven.
Mattie Ross is a 14-year-old girl with revenge on her mind. She wants to find the man responsible for the death of her father. With very little money she is advised to get a US Marshal to track the culprit down and bring him to justice. The only man who is cheap enough for her is a washed-out drunk named Rooster Cogburn. Accepting her case, Cogburn and Mattie head into the wilderness to find Tom Chancy, the man accused and are joined by Texas Ranger LeBoeuf. The unlikely trio must overcome all obstacles, including their own differences, in order to get their man.
The Coen Brothers have created a brilliant character study within a western formula. Three very different individuals with their own demons having to find a common bond in order to work together. At the same time, they have a gripping story beautifully shot by Roger Deakins who is almost a sure-fire winner for best cinematography at the Oscars. It is rich in texture and detail while capturing the traditional western flavour.
The other ace up the Coens sleeves are the performances. Jeff Bridges, fresh from winning last year's Best Actor Oscar. could have quite easily made it two in a row (if it wasn't for Colin Firth) with an impressive creation in Rooster. Not an easy task to take on, considering John Wayne made such him so iconic. Bridges brings out the a man who has lived by the bottle and yet still has 'true grit', who fears nothing and is willing to risk his life for something he believes in, if he isn't flat out from drink. Some of the dialogue is completely incoherent as he mumbles his way through the script but it doesn't seem to matter. Bridges makes him fully understandable just by a look.
Matt Damon gets to strip away the pretty-boy action hero that he has become famous for and under a monstrous moustache, delivers one of his best performances. While Josh Brolin, in more of a cameo role, as Clancy, still makes an impact.
If the film were to have a revelation, it has to be young Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie. While watching her performance, it is hard to believe that she is only 14-years-old. She has a maturity and screen presence of an actress who has been working in the business for years. She is tough, smart, intelligent and brings to life a character that could quite easily have been annoying. She is definitely an actress to keep your eye on. The last time I can remember a newcomer almost stealing a film from its stars was when Kristen Dunst starred in Interview With A Vampire.
This is the Coens at their best, and they could help with the return of a genre that sadly comes and goes. Superb, unmissable stuff.
No comments:
Post a Comment