Luke
stu-kicks
CibbuanoTrue Grit
January 3rd 2007 06:59
True Grit (1969)
It's hard to review 'True Grit' as just another western film. Is it a mediocre latter-day western elevated by the fact that John Wayne finally won an Oscar with the portrayal he gave in it? Or is it a genuinely good film, a worthy entry into the genre at a time when westerns were becoming increasingly unpopular? I am by no means a Western buff. I enjoy Western films a lot, but there are a lot of supposedly great ones out there that I'm yet to see (high on my list are 'The Outlaw Josey Wales', 'The Ox-Bow Incident' and 'Winchester '73', just to name a few), so I don't think I can really answer this question definitively, but these are things that came to my mind when I watched this film nonetheless.
Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) is a 14-year old girl looking for a bounty hunter who can track down her father's killer. What she finds is Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne), a one-eyed 'fat old man' with a drinking problem and a reputation for getting the job done. He has what they call 'true grit', and what follows is an unlikely teaming between the girl and the hard-drinkin', all fightin' old legend. Along with a Texas Ranger looking for a seperate murderer, the duo head off deep into Indian territory to track down the villains and reign them in to justice.
As far as westerns about bounty hunting go, this is a fairly gentle story told in a straight-forward manner. Based on a contemporary novel of the same name, 'True Grit' played down it's source material's biblical allusions and Mattie's role as the main protagonist, and focused more on themes of courage as well as giving the character Rooster Cogburn at least an equal share in terms of plot focus.
Made at the tail end of the genre's popularity, 'True Grit' also makes clever use of John Wayne's status as the ultimate icon of Western films by making his tired but tough old character synonymous with the genre itself. Hence we cheer when he buckles down for the showdown and goes gun to gun with the bad guys... it's nothing we haven't seen before, but it's a nostalgic and stirring take that utilises Wayne's unique screen charisma.
John Wayne finally won the Best Actor Academy Award for his work here. Wayne, whilst getting older, hadn't played a character-part for quite some time - instead hanging onto his leading man status for as long as he possibly could. His surprising turn here as a washed up hard-as-nails boozehound was a new experiences for audiences. Wayne also managed to gain the attention of critics with the quality and depth he invested into this portrayal, calling to mind old character-actors like Walter Brennan, Wallace Beery and Victor McLaglen.
A worthy and entertaining film that bookends the golden age of westerns. Worth watching if only for Wayne's endearing performance.
TRIVIA: Look out for a young Dennis Hopper and Robert Duvall as two of the villains chased by Wayne and co.
Followed by a sequel, 'Rooster Cogburn', co-starring Katherine Hepburn.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I grew up watching The Duke films with my dad, of the 180 odd he made I have probably seen about 160.
True Grit is not a great John Wayne western, but has a pretty good performace from the man.
I still think The Searchers, Red River, The Quiet Man and The Shootist are his best acting moments.
I do like the story and you gotta love the reigns in the teeth and two guns blazing, Well worth a look for its staure.
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
All his stuff helmed by John Ford or Howard Hawkes warrants at least a screening. (man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a must)
Im a sucker for the Rio Bravo, Sons Of Katie Elder style westerns, pure Wayne playing up to the mythology.
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
I even liked 'The Alamo'.
Comment by Anonymous
I managed to find it and buy it on this aussie site called classicdvd.com.au.
They have heaps of old movies.
This movie is a must if you are into classic oldies like i am!