Quick Movie Review: True Grit (2010)

True Grit (2010)

Bottomline: Terrific movie.

Another great Coen Brothers film you’ve probably never seen but should: A Serious Man (2009)

Want to hear more from Iris Dement? Check out her website at irisdement.com. Her music is also available on iTunes. I prefer the more primitive gospel tracks but there are some bluesy rocking tracks if you prefer.

Some Interesting Notes: This movie is at once incredibly funny and poignant. It is rated PG-13 but it's important to remember that this is a truly gritty western -- dusty, dirty, at times explosively violent.

QMR Opinion:The original True Grit (1969) was essentially a vehicle for John Wayne to chew scenery. And he indulged vigorously. I liked Wayne as Rooster Cogburn, but the movie was clearly created as his showcase. I mean what other reason could there be for casting Glenn Campbell in a major role as LeBoeuf? What makes the new True Grit so terrific is that it is a showcase for all of the actors from top to bottom. Jeff Bridges as Rooster. Matt Damon as LaBouef. Barry Pepper at Lucky Ned Pepper. Josh Brolin as Tom Chaney. Dakin Matthews as Col. Stonehill. And, last but not least, newcomer Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross. The Coen Brothers have created a beautiful western with the help of the genius that is Roger Deakins as director of photography. A pleasant surprise for me was the music. Curtis Burwell’s score fits the film perfectly, and I was particularly struck by the starkness of Iris Dement’s rendition of “Leaning on the Everlasting Arm” that closes the film.