The 1969 True Grit ranks as one of the most iconic westerns in history. John Wayne's performance as Rooster Cogburn was both moving and memorable. The movie isn't exactly one of the greatest westerns of all time, the film had it's problems-Glen Campbell to name one-but it was John Wayne's legendary performance that made the film a classic. It seemed no one could even attempt to remake it-until the Coen Brothers stepped up to the challenge.
It is of my opinion that remaking True Grit was a mistake. Many of John Wayne's other films could be remade, but not one as iconic as True Grit. Admittedly, I admire the Coen brothers' courage, and, looking at their careers, they seem to be directors more than able to take on the challenge. But let's look at the breakdown:
Direction-The Direction for me was, surprisingly, disappointing. I heard the Coen Brothers were Oscar worthy directors, but I found the direction at times lazy. Scenes were narrated to save time, montages were put in when we should've seen live action, and worst of all was the editing. They cut far too much, the film easily could have been another half an hour longer. Scenes didn't flow together, we were simply thrown right into the middle of one scene and sent right into the middle of another. It was hard to become attached to the characters as character development was limited and simply relied on the ability of the actors. All in all, while the direction was fine at times, it was surprisingly bad for directors who've achieved critical acclaim.
Jeff Bridges-Jeff Bridges had a tough job ahead of him. He had to play Rooster Cogburn, a one eyed fat man that the love of decency did not abide in. He had to play a character that already received an Oscar win when played by John Wayne. But I have to admit, Jeff Bridges did put a lot of effort into the role. Unfortunately, his best effort wasn;t enough. His accent was weak, obviously fake and put on. He simply mumbled and talked with a gruff voice. It wasn't altogether convincing. The character lacked the emotion that John Wayne's character had, additionally you didn't care for his character as much, though that might be due to the direction. Let's face it: Jeff Bridges isn't John Wayne. He's a very good actor, but not necessarily a western actor. John Wayne gave the impression that he was a cowboy, even though he wasn't. John Wayne looked more natural as a cowboy then as a 20th century actor. To be honest, when I heard that he was going to play Rooster Cogburn, I thought that was rather bold talk for an actor like Jeff Bridges. In the end, he wasn't quite John Wayne, he didn't really have True Grit.
Hailee Steinfeld-Hailee Steinfeld played Mattie Ross, the girl who hires Rooster Cogburn to kill Tom Chaney. I'd say her performance was one of the parts of this film that was improved from the original. She gives an emotional portrayal in the film, and her acting is pretty good for a first film debut. Altogether she was one of the pleasant surprises of the film.
Matt Damon-Matt Damon plays Texas Ranger La Boeuf. Damon's good in the film, but altogether he's underused. I never really attach to him in the film. It's sad to see an Oscar winning actor like Damon being wasted in a good role.
Other Supporting cast members-The rest of the supporting cast was disappointing. It seemed that everyone was just trying to impersonate the actors of the first one in looks, accent and intonation. Josh Brolin seemed out of place as Tom Chaney and Barry Pepper was bland as Ned Pepper. It seemed he was simply impersonating Robert Duvall, who brilliantly portrayed Ned Pepper in one of his first films in the original True Grit.
Screenplay-The screenplay was very good, keeping in line with the original film's script. It was in fact one of the better parts of the film.
Story-I thought the story decreased in it's value with the remake. The changes they made caused it to be anti-climatic. You never felt like the characters were in danger. And additionally, the end completely fell flat. I was never really moved, touched or exhilarated in the entire film.
Production-Costumes and sound effects were good, though not spectacular.
Music-Bland and at times out of place.
Final Breakdown- Direction-6 (out of 10) Lead Acting-6.5 (out of 10) Supporting cast-6 (Out of 10) Script-4 (Out of 5) Story-2.5 (Out of 5) Music-2 (Out of 5) Production-3 (Out of 5)
Total score- 6.0 (Out of 10)
Closing Remarks-In the end, I thought it was a mistake to remake True Grit. There will only be one John Wayne. The film had potential, but the potential was wasted due to directorial decisions. I don't exactly see what the critics are seeing when they rate this film so high. Personally I thought it was an average film that couldn't live up to it's predecessor. In the end, I wouldn't recommend this film, I'd recommend the original.
So, come see the original True Grit sometime!
It is of my opinion that remaking True Grit was a mistake. Many of John Wayne's other films could be remade, but not one as iconic as True Grit. Admittedly, I admire the Coen brothers' courage, and, looking at their careers, they seem to be directors more than able to take on the challenge. But let's look at the breakdown:
Direction-The Direction for me was, surprisingly, disappointing. I heard the Coen Brothers were Oscar worthy directors, but I found the direction at times lazy. Scenes were narrated to save time, montages were put in when we should've seen live action, and worst of all was the editing. They cut far too much, the film easily could have been another half an hour longer. Scenes didn't flow together, we were simply thrown right into the middle of one scene and sent right into the middle of another. It was hard to become attached to the characters as character development was limited and simply relied on the ability of the actors. All in all, while the direction was fine at times, it was surprisingly bad for directors who've achieved critical acclaim.
Jeff Bridges-Jeff Bridges had a tough job ahead of him. He had to play Rooster Cogburn, a one eyed fat man that the love of decency did not abide in. He had to play a character that already received an Oscar win when played by John Wayne. But I have to admit, Jeff Bridges did put a lot of effort into the role. Unfortunately, his best effort wasn;t enough. His accent was weak, obviously fake and put on. He simply mumbled and talked with a gruff voice. It wasn't altogether convincing. The character lacked the emotion that John Wayne's character had, additionally you didn't care for his character as much, though that might be due to the direction. Let's face it: Jeff Bridges isn't John Wayne. He's a very good actor, but not necessarily a western actor. John Wayne gave the impression that he was a cowboy, even though he wasn't. John Wayne looked more natural as a cowboy then as a 20th century actor. To be honest, when I heard that he was going to play Rooster Cogburn, I thought that was rather bold talk for an actor like Jeff Bridges. In the end, he wasn't quite John Wayne, he didn't really have True Grit.
Hailee Steinfeld-Hailee Steinfeld played Mattie Ross, the girl who hires Rooster Cogburn to kill Tom Chaney. I'd say her performance was one of the parts of this film that was improved from the original. She gives an emotional portrayal in the film, and her acting is pretty good for a first film debut. Altogether she was one of the pleasant surprises of the film.
Matt Damon-Matt Damon plays Texas Ranger La Boeuf. Damon's good in the film, but altogether he's underused. I never really attach to him in the film. It's sad to see an Oscar winning actor like Damon being wasted in a good role.
Other Supporting cast members-The rest of the supporting cast was disappointing. It seemed that everyone was just trying to impersonate the actors of the first one in looks, accent and intonation. Josh Brolin seemed out of place as Tom Chaney and Barry Pepper was bland as Ned Pepper. It seemed he was simply impersonating Robert Duvall, who brilliantly portrayed Ned Pepper in one of his first films in the original True Grit.
Screenplay-The screenplay was very good, keeping in line with the original film's script. It was in fact one of the better parts of the film.
Story-I thought the story decreased in it's value with the remake. The changes they made caused it to be anti-climatic. You never felt like the characters were in danger. And additionally, the end completely fell flat. I was never really moved, touched or exhilarated in the entire film.
Production-Costumes and sound effects were good, though not spectacular.
Music-Bland and at times out of place.
Final Breakdown- Direction-6 (out of 10) Lead Acting-6.5 (out of 10) Supporting cast-6 (Out of 10) Script-4 (Out of 5) Story-2.5 (Out of 5) Music-2 (Out of 5) Production-3 (Out of 5)
Total score- 6.0 (Out of 10)
Closing Remarks-In the end, I thought it was a mistake to remake True Grit. There will only be one John Wayne. The film had potential, but the potential was wasted due to directorial decisions. I don't exactly see what the critics are seeing when they rate this film so high. Personally I thought it was an average film that couldn't live up to it's predecessor. In the end, I wouldn't recommend this film, I'd recommend the original.
So, come see the original True Grit sometime!