True Grit

Hailee Steinfeld and Jeff Bridges - True Grit


- to watch the trailer, click the image above -

"A thoroughly entertaining movie" - The Los Angeles Times

The latest Version Original (V.O.) movie on general release in France, is this story of vengence in the wild west of 1870 - the Coen brothers, "True Grit".

A Story of Vengence
A story of vengence, yes, but also of coming of age... of the loss of innocence. This superb remake of the classic John Wayne 1969 version, sticks closely to the orginal source material, the novel by Charles Portis. The opening lines of Portis's book, set the scene for the movie...

"People do not give it credence that a fourteen-year-old girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father's blood but it did not seem so strange then, although I will say it did not happen every day.".

Told through the narrative and perspective of, a now much older, 14 year old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) the story unfolds of ageing Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Brdiges) and Texas Ranger, Laboeuf (Matt Damon), quest to bring to justice the killer of Mattie's father... with the help of 14 year old Mattie.

Oscar Nomination
The original 1969 version won Best Actor Oscar for John Wayne, but it was the virtually unknown newcomer Hailee Steinfeld's portrayal of Mattie that caught the attention of moviegoers and her peers alike, in this remake. Indeed, her performance rated an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Hailee Steinfeld talks about her role as Mattie Ross


- to view the interview, click the image above -

Much praise has also been lavished on True Grit's other star... the American West of the 1870's itself. Or, at least, as brought to life by the film's production designer Jess Gonchor and costume designer, Mary Zophres.

"...[they] have combined to create the sense of the West as a harsh, hardscrabble place, made up of wide open but unwelcoming spaces and towns without pity." Los Angeles Times.

Musical Score - Carter Burwell
Wrapping around the movie like a protective cloak, is Carter Burwell's haunting music, in which the hymn, constantly referenced throughout the movie, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arm", finally plays the audience out under the rolling credits.

"Burwell's evocative score, which consists largely of delicate variations on the hymn 'Leaning on the Everlasting Arms'.... is alone worth the price of admission." The Atlantic

Carter Burwell talks about his original filmscore for True Grit
- to view the featurette, click the image above -

True Grit Synopsis
Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney, 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross sets out to capture the killer. To aid her, she hires the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, a man with "true grit," Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn. Mattie insists on accompanying Cogburn, whose drinking, sloth, and generally reprobate character do not augment her faith in him. Against his wishes, she joins him in his trek into the Indian Nations in search of Chaney. They are joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who wants Chaney for his own purposes. The unlikely trio find danger and surprises on the journey, and each has his or her "grit" tested. Source: IMBd

Links
	True Grit Trailer
	Hailee Steinfeld interview
	Carter Burwell music featurette
	Official True Grit website

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