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True Grit

True Grit

By Patrick Samuel • June 12th, 2011
Static Mass Rating: 5/5
TRUE GRIT (DVD)
Sony 

Release date: June 13th, 2011
Certificate (UK): 12
Running time: 106 minutes

Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Marvel

It’s all about reinvention these days, whether it’s a sound, an image, a book or a film; everybody wants to do something different but there’s only so many stories out there in the world and sometimes the way forward is back. The challenge then is for filmmakers to keep it relevant and fresh.

This is why Coen Brothers adaptation of Charles Portis’ 1968 novel works so well. It’s feisty dialogue and sharp story is brought to life by a strong cast and its tight direction which wastes no scene or second during its seemingly all-too-short 106 minutes.

 True Grit

At the heart of it is young actress Hailee Steinfeld who dazzles as the spirited 14-year-old Mattie Ross. Her story begins when her father is shot and killed for a couple of gold coins by Chaney (Josh Brolin), a man he was trying to help. Mattie hires Deputy U.S. Marshal Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a man with true girt, to track down Chaney and bring him to justice

Before setting off, they meet LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), a Texas Ranger whom Mattie takes an immediate disliking to. The feeling is mutual, but the unlikely trio keep crossing paths as they all have their reasons for seeing Chaney hanged. When the trail leads them into Indian territory, Mattie is unmoved by the danger ahead of them and keeps her eye on the prize.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

  • Mattie’s True Grit
  • From Bustles to Buckskin – Dressing for the 1880s
  • Colts, Winchesters & Remingtons: The Guns of a Post-Civil War Western
  • Re-Creating Fort Smith
  • The Cast
  • Charles Portis – The Greatest Writer You’ve Never Heard Of…
  • The Cinematography of True Grit
  • Theatrical Trailer

Jeff Bridges has a pair of incredibly large pair of shoes to fill in the role of Cogburn which was originally played by John “The Duke” Wayne in the 1969 version but he brings his own version of the character to the role instead of emulating Wayne. Cogburn 2011 is much meaner, drunker and funnier. Matt Damon is also a surprise in the role of LaBoeuf, shaking off Bourne, Mr. Ripley and just about anything else he’s down in his career so far to become the tongue-tied Texas Ranger.

 True Grit

You won’t see a better Western that True Grit this year, its memorable, heartfelt, action-packed and incredibly funny with dialogue that shoots almost as fast as the bullets do.

Paramount’s Blu-ray release comes with a selection of special features that take you behind-the-scenes for a look at the costumes, casting and cinematography. There’s also a featurette on Charles Portis , the writer of True Grit.

Patrick Samuel

Patrick Samuel

The founder of Static Mass Emporium and one of its Editors in Chief is an emerging artist with a philosophy degree, working primarily with pastels and graphite pencils, but he also enjoys experimenting with water colours, acrylics, glass and oil paints.

Being on the autistic spectrum with Asperger’s Syndrome, he is stimulated by bold, contrasting colours, intricate details, multiple textures, and varying shades of light and dark. Patrick's work extends to sound and video, and when not drawing or painting, he can be found working on projects he shares online with his followers.

Patrick returned to drawing and painting after a prolonged break in December 2016 as part of his daily art therapy, and is now making the transition to being a full-time artist. As a spokesperson for autism awareness, he also gives talks and presentations on the benefits of creative therapy.

Static Mass is where he lives his passion for film and writing about it. A fan of film classics, documentaries and science fiction, Patrick prefers films with an impeccable way of storytelling that reflect on the human condition.

Patrick Samuel ¦ Asperger Artist

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