At the Movies with Fatwayne

The “one-eyed fat man” is back but this time it is Jeff Bridges starring instead of John Wayne. You may assume, as I did, that Wayne’s boots are way too big to fill and that no man can challenge his portrayal of Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn. Well I must admit that I was wrong and that Bridges does an exemplary and enjoyable job of becoming Rooster himself.  Another thing that bothered me was the fact that the Coen brothers would attempt a remake of one of the most famous movies of the western genre. Lucky for us they did not copy the 1969 movie but followed the Charles Portis novel very closely. The result was some familiar moments but with enough variations to keep even a purist like me satisfied.

This version is much “grittier” then its predecessor. The characters, with the exception of Mattie Ross (Hallee Steinfeld) and one or two others, are badly in need of dental work and a good soaking in a soap filled bath. The dialogue also follows the novel in that all the verbiage is spoken without the use of contractions. It makes for an interesting and sometimes amusing experience. While this film offers us more chuckles than the ’69 version, it is also much more realistic even to the aftereffects of Mattie’s snake bite. It would seem that Jeff Bridges really got into the role of Rooster. He apparently does not mind appearing in the most unappealing of scenes. One in particular shows him lying on his cot behind the Chinese restaurant where he lives, in his long johns. This dirty garment came replete with a strategically placed rip that unkindly reveals his corpulent belly. It is a sight that I will not forget for a long time.

The supporting cast was excellent with the aforementioned Mattie Ross taking the reins and leading us through this tale of revenge. Barry Pepper did a very good job in the role of “Lucky Ned Pepper” but I have to admit that I still perfer Robert Duvall in that spot. On the other hand Matt Damon was infinitely superior as Texas Ranger LeBoeuf especially when compared to Glen Campbell. I suppose that everyone will have his or her opinion if they have had the good fortune to view both versions of this movie. I missed Dennis Hopper as the luny “Moon” and Strother Martin as “Col. G. Stonehill”.

I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite between the two versions mainly because of my love for John Wayne in his later years. I suspect that younger folks who did not follow his career as I did will react most favorably to Jeff Bridges. After watching his performance, he just might be able to fit into the “Duke’s” boots.

For those of you who are from Mars and do not know the storyline, I will supply you with a short summary. Mattie Ross travels to the town where her father was gunned down by his farm hand, Tom Chaney. While there she looks for someone with “true grit” to help her exact her revenge on Chaney. She happens upon U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn and persuades him to assist her in the apprehension of her father’s killer. They wind up partnering with a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf and set out after Tom Chaney who has joined the gang of one Lucky Ned Pepper. Lots of laughs and lots of adventure follow as they attempt to get their man.

What awaits you if you should decide to see this movie is a rousing good time, interesting language and awesome scenery. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. One final parting shot would be to give you one of my favorite quotes of all time. Rooster is on his horse facing Ned Pepper and three other killers. Rooster tells Ned to give up and let him take him in for a fair trial. If he agrees  he will let his men go and spare Ned’s life. Lucky Ned Pepper responds “I call that bold talk from a one eyed fat man”! To which Rooster shouts with guns drawn, reins between his teeth and horse galloping “fill your hands you son of a bitch”!  Good stuff!
Quotes from True Grit

Rated – PG 13  -

Fatwayne’s Rating   -