TRUE GRIT (2010) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Written by - Ethan Coen, Joel Coen (based on a novel by Charles Portis)

Starring - Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin

"It might have been tricky to adapt one of the most famour Americana westerns of all time, especially because the original was the film which gave JOHN WAYNE in one of the most memorable and distinctive roles his Academy Award. But leave it to the COENS to almost completely reshape the film and turn it into a new, exciting and by some degree even spectacular redux that is quite different from Henry Hathaway's feature. 

TRUE GRIT by the COENS is indeed gritty. The beautiful praries of the old western landscape seem at once dark and dangerous as they are exceptionally beautiful - this of course is the work of the legendary cinematographer ROGER DEAKINS, who seems to wholly understand the work of the COENS, an understanding which makes their collaborations all the more vividly rewarding and celebrated. 

However, the greatest challenge was arguably taken on by JEFF BRIDGES when he took on the role as the mean, grumpy and chain smoking derelict US Marshal Rooster Cogburn. A challenge indeed because, as menioned earlier, it was and still is one of JOHN WAYNE's most memorable roles. A challenge, however, fulfilled in a most excellent fashioned by the veteran interperter, who is able to infuse his own unique charisma and personality and give a driving leading performance. Perhaps because in this film, much like WAYNE was clever enough to do in his vehicle, Bridges allows himself to be self-indulgent and instantly recognisable, an artistic choice that inevitably makes his performance personal and distinctive."

Western, USA