New Grit
Several months ago I blogged about Joel and Ethan Coen remaking of the 1969 classic western True Grit. I had mixed emotions but eagerly awaited the new release. I figured the Coen brothers wouldn't screw it up.
Prior to the Xmas week debut I read and heard nothing but great reviews of Jeff Bridges' performance and that of teenage actress Hailee Steinfeld. My interest peaked but I feared my high expectations could doom this movie. I've gone into many theatres expecting a great film only to be denied.
I'm not going to tell the old western tale or get into story-movie detail. Applauding the work of the lead actors says enough. The Coen brothers put together a great cast. This is the how the new grit overshadows the original. For one thing, Glen Campbell did not return to play LaBoeuf, a case of addition by subtraction.
When the remake was snubbed by the Golden Globes, a useless affair of back patting if there ever was one, I hoped the Academy Of Motion Pictures would correct GG's obvious oversight. They did. True Grit was nominated in ten categories .... as it should be.
I don't know if it's just better acting, following the book closer, great dialogue, or Matt Damon reinventing LaBoeuf. It's all good. Campbell's Texas Ranger role went from a cringing-ear-sore bore to colorful, sometimes funny, and likable (even when being a pompous ass) in the hands of the capable Damon.
Jeff Bridges might get shortchanged an Oscar as Russell Crowe did several years ago. His portrayal as Rooster Cogburn is outstanding but he just won a statue for Crazy Heart. He surely has the drunkard perfected. In this version the Coens emphasized the darker side of Cogburn unlke the Duke's portrayal, made for an audience of a different era.
Hailee Steifeld gives a performance that'll make you believe she's a veteran actress, but she was 13 at the time of filming. This is her first feature film. If this role is an example of work to come, her name will be moving up the marquee. The new grit is darker, more mature than it's predecessor. What I said about Damon is also true of Barry Pepper and Josh Brolin, in lesser roles as villians. Even in support with limited dialogue the Coen cast upgraded performances throughout this film.
The dialogue in the original grit is one of it's strengths. The new screenplay expands and provides better developed characters.
The story remains the same with a slightly lengthened conclusion.
Prior to the Xmas week debut I read and heard nothing but great reviews of Jeff Bridges' performance and that of teenage actress Hailee Steinfeld. My interest peaked but I feared my high expectations could doom this movie. I've gone into many theatres expecting a great film only to be denied.
I'm not going to tell the old western tale or get into story-movie detail. Applauding the work of the lead actors says enough. The Coen brothers put together a great cast. This is the how the new grit overshadows the original. For one thing, Glen Campbell did not return to play LaBoeuf, a case of addition by subtraction.
When the remake was snubbed by the Golden Globes, a useless affair of back patting if there ever was one, I hoped the Academy Of Motion Pictures would correct GG's obvious oversight. They did. True Grit was nominated in ten categories .... as it should be.
I don't know if it's just better acting, following the book closer, great dialogue, or Matt Damon reinventing LaBoeuf. It's all good. Campbell's Texas Ranger role went from a cringing-ear-sore bore to colorful, sometimes funny, and likable (even when being a pompous ass) in the hands of the capable Damon.
Jeff Bridges might get shortchanged an Oscar as Russell Crowe did several years ago. His portrayal as Rooster Cogburn is outstanding but he just won a statue for Crazy Heart. He surely has the drunkard perfected. In this version the Coens emphasized the darker side of Cogburn unlke the Duke's portrayal, made for an audience of a different era.
Hailee Steifeld gives a performance that'll make you believe she's a veteran actress, but she was 13 at the time of filming. This is her first feature film. If this role is an example of work to come, her name will be moving up the marquee. The new grit is darker, more mature than it's predecessor. What I said about Damon is also true of Barry Pepper and Josh Brolin, in lesser roles as villians. Even in support with limited dialogue the Coen cast upgraded performances throughout this film.
The dialogue in the original grit is one of it's strengths. The new screenplay expands and provides better developed characters.
The story remains the same with a slightly lengthened conclusion.