For the record; no, I didn't see or have any previous knowledge that the original 1969 film True Grit existed. But after viewing its 2010 remake, my curiousity has certainly jumped.
In 1877, Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfield) ventures to Fort Smith, Arkansas after the murder of her father at the hands of Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Seeking to see justice accomplished, the 14-year-old girl invests her money and time into hiring Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a one-eyed U.S. Marshall who, despite his best efforts, wants to see Mattie go home while he handles the dirty work of bringing Chaney down. In the midst of it all, Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) intends to finish the job with or without Cogburn's assistance or Ross' employment. A hunt for vengeance steadily becomes a test of determination as these three head to find Chaney.
For the last few years, the Coen brothers have been bringing their work to the Academy Awards, and this year will likely be no different. Every main cast member shows their finest here, including first timer Steinfield who truly leads the picture in a bold and educated performance. Through her perspective, the viewer sees an innocence stuck in the middle of the bloodshed and brutality of these men and their surroundings. Bridges, Damon and Brolin make up the rest of a colourful cast that are all potential Oscar nominations in the making.
This detective/gunslinger story may not deliver the action as heavily as its trailer implied, but its actors and story don't skimp out on the audience. A tale of the old west with morals to be earned, its themes about the obsession with vengeance are balanced with a short but strongly delivered story.
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