Writer/Directors: The Coen Brothers
Starring: Josh Brolin, Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld
‘A Wonderful Western’
Not many actors in Hollywood have earned the praise of Josh Brolin. Since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Brolin has become a celebrated icon. Whether it’s corrupt drug dealers, infinity space scavengers or gangsters, Brolin is one of those actors that has played many powerful characters. Arguably, Brolin’s finest strength as an actor has always been his dedication to his craft. He’s one of those rare actors which has always poured his heart and soul in every role. Brolin has always had a powerful screen presence that has always elevated every film he’s in. Through his abilities to portray strong characters which are compelling, Brolin has built a powerful legacy that has proven to be lasting. An actor with strong commitment to his craft, Brolin has become a beloved icon in entertainment. Shining bright light in darkness, Brolin has become a celebrated icon on the modern entertainment business. Throughout his enduring career, Brolin has created many memorable movies that are definitely without any doubt worth seeing.
I’m a huge fan of Brolin and adore all movies he has made. However, “True Grit” is certainly definitely my favourite. Released in 2010, The Coen Brothers’ movie offered a strong remake of a classic western. Packed with engrossing production design, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the best westerns ever made. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Josh Brolin, who embodies a villainous outlaw that embarks upon a perilous journey. Ultimately, what makes “True Grit” a western masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most westerns, it discusses compelling themes that everyone will relate to. A riveting western masterpiece, there are many strong reasons why “True Grit” is a commemorated movie worth seeing.
“True Grit” tells the story of a girl embarking on a journey of revenge with grit. Hailee Steinfeld portrays Mattie Ross, a young girl with strong attachment to her father whom she had often loved dearly. However, Mattie’s life drastically changes when her father is murdered in by an ominous killer. Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) is an evil hitman that commits murder which causes adversity. Assisted by a newfound companion Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), Mattie seeks to find the man that murdered her father. As all odds are stacked against her favour, Mattie is forced to wonder whether it’s possible to deal with murder. Faced with a dilemma, Mattie is forced to question whether it’s possible for her to achieve vengeance in a doomed land which causes trauma.
The Coen Brothers are fascinated with lives of western outlaws. A dazzling directing duo, the brothers have often made great movies about outlaws that face sorrow. Their Oscar-winning film “No Country for Old Men” captured lives of outlaws that terrorize old men. With “True Grit”, however, the brothers made their first remake. It was the filmmakers’ first attempt to adapt a celebrated western movie but they succeeded. Using breathtaking cinematography, the Coen Bothers capture an outlaw embarking upon a dangerous journey. Evoking Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven”, the brothers effectively employ handheld camera to capture outlaws facing a dilemma. For instance, the handheld camera elevates the killer discovery scene. During this intense scene, Mattie finally finds Tom Chaney realizing he murdered her father. Using hand-held camerawork, the Coen Brothers honour a classic western. Handheld camerawork isn’t a simple technique to use in movies. The Russo Brothers’ “Avengers: Endgame” suggested that handheld camera elevates comic-book films. Nevertheless, it works well. Using captivating visuals, the brothers honour a western about outlaws that are terrifying.
Another admirable aspect of “True Grit” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. The Coen Brothers effectively use costumes to capture the lives of girls having a drastic transformation. Throughout the movie, Mattie’s costumes demonstrate her significant transformation from a scared girl into a heroic woman. For instance, costumes enhance the training scene. During this memorable scene, Mattie trains with Rooster Cogburn to prepare for her mission. Through compelling costumes, the Coen Brothers create a female character that’s engaging. Moreover, the musical score is marvellous. Carter Burwell’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which outlaws bear. Using phenomenal production, the Coen Brothers celebrate a classic western about women.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “True Grit” is a western that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses sequences of silence to capture women which are affected by gritty violence. Throughout the film, the Coen Brothers use silence to convey the lives of women affected by harsh violence. For instance, silence enhances the aftermath of murders scene. During this engaging scene, Mattie feels remorse contemplating the murder of her father in silence. Through sequences of silence, the Coen Brothers create a portrait of outlaws which audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” suggested silence enhances science fiction films. Gus Van Sant’s “Milk” suggested that silence often enhances political movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, the Coen Brothers capture outlaws that face a painful price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Josh Brolin delivers one of his greatest career performances as Tom Chaney. Brolin earned appreciation for portraying political figures in LGBTW dramas. With “True Grit”, however, the actor took on his most complex role. It’s often challenging to portray an outlaw which faces adversity in the west but Brolin succeeds. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him in the past before: intense, charismatic and strong in his most memorable role. Brolin has commonly excelled at playing emotional men which face intense pressure, and “True Grit” showcased his strength as an actor. With bold expression, he captures the angst, grief and vengeance of a commemorated outlaw facing tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance from a beloved actor.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Josh Brolin, the supporting cast is excellent and worthy of appreciation. Hailee Steinfeld is spectacular, capturing the bravery of a young girl embarking on a journey to find her father’s killer causing adversity. Jeff Bridges is brilliant, bringing charisma to a courageous Marshall in a mission to find a dangerous killer causing a dilemma. Lastly, Matt Damon merits praise. As a hardened sheriff, he brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Finally, “True Grit” would earn the appreciation of everyone honouring a classic western with grit. Unlike most westerns, the film discusses strong themes everyone would relate to. The movie tackles strong themes such as identity, mental health and vengeance that everyone will relate to. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the western genre to appreciate it. Therefore, “True Grit” is one of those rare westerns that everyone would adore.
Fans of Josh Brolin will absolutely adore “True Grit” and so would movie-goers which seek heartfelt entertainment. A wonderful western, it honours an actor that deserves recognition.
Nearly 25 years following the release of a groundbreaking western about truly gritty girls embarking on a journey to find killers causing adversity, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in movies audiences love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 