True Grit (2010)

Just a quick note before we begin: This is not the 1970 film starring John Wayne, but rather the more recent remake. It is based on the same novel by Charles Portis, and is similar enough to the original, but is its own separate film.

Fourteen year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) is a young girl on a mission. Initially sent into town simply to recover the body of her recently deceased father, she quickly formulates a greater plan: to bring her father’s killer to justice, albeit her own particular brand of justice.

Enlisting the assistance of bounty hunter Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), she sets off on a cross-country trek into Indian territory to find the man she knows as Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) and kill him.

Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld).

The two of them are accompanied by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who is pursuing Chaney for several other crimes.

Cogburn is not the slightest bit interested in Mattie’s plan - he has more humane plans for Chaney - but Mattie is incredibly stubborn, and will not be easily swayed.

The screenplay - written by brothers Joel & Ethan Coen, who also both directed the film - is masterfully crafted and expertly written, as those who have seen any other film by the Coen brothers will appreciate. The characters are all very clearly defined, with plenty of internal and external conflicts to keep things interesting and the plot moving forward. The characters of Mattie and Cogburn are - in particular - very well written and constructed.

Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges).

Of course, writing great characters is only half the battle. And in the hands of brilliant performers, Steinfeld and Bridges, these characters truly come to life. In fact, both of them were nominated for Academy Awards for their performances - awards they sadly did not win - and it is not difficult to see why.

The score, by Carter Burwell, is perfectly suited to the film’s genre and many tropes. The majority of the music is based heavily on Christian hymns - especially ‘Leaning on the Everlasting Arms’, among others - though the instrumentation changes every time they are heard.

Roger Deakins’s cinematography provides a true masterclass to any student of filmmaking, with plenty of exterior night shoots throughout the film. His use of lighting, and also significant and frequent use of the contrast between light and dark, provides plenty of teaching moments to anyone hoping to pursue such a career.

LaBoeuf (Matt Damon).

I must also mention the production design and costume design, brought to bear by Jess Gonchor and Mary Zophres, respectively. These two elements work hand-in-hand to transport the audience not only to a particular time in history, but also to a very specific place, that of the Old West. Everything about this film - the cinematography and all design elements - look absolutely beautiful on screen (particularly in HD, as I was fortunate to view it for the purposes of this review), and go a long way to making this film the thrill-ride that it is.

The Coen brothers - Joel and Ethan - have made a wonderful film here, that not only showcases their own abilities as true auteurs, but also highlights the talents of their entire cast and creative team/crew. Every time I watch this film, I come away from it having noticed something else about it, and I thoroughly recommend you take every advantage to watch it for yourself.

9 out of 10.