True Grit is a 2010 Western movie remake written and directed by the Coen brothers. It stars Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Hailee Steinfeld. When a father dies cold-blooded, a daughter embarks on a mission to track down the killer.
On the 53rd anniversary of the original film (1969), I center on its remake. How did it perform against the original and what did such a role mean to Hailee Steinfeld?
During the late nineteenth century, news traveled slowly, and technology was scarce. So, imagine receiving the announcement that your father was murdered days ago. That is exactly how Mattie Ross (played by Steinfeld) learned about this tragic incident.
There are two possible outcomes during grievance: either you mourn for the rest of your life, or you decide to track down the killer. In Mattie’s case, she chooses the latter.
Of course, as a fourteen-year-old, she needs an ally. Therefore, after word of mouth, she inclines for the U.S. marshall named Rooster Cogburn (Bridges). Reluctant at first, he then takes up on her offer.
However, afterward, they learn that her father’s killer, Mr. Chaney (Brolin), has wandered off to Indian Territory, where Cogburn has no authority. Luckily, Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf (Damon), is also chasing him for another murder. Hence, the two men join forces.
To their surprise, Mattie looks forward to coming along to the hunt. Despite Cogburn’s decision not to, her brave, well-outspoken, smart, and confident persona doesn’t take no for an answer.
During their journey, they track his whereabouts and find out that Mr. Chaney is not alone. He has his gang by his side. From horse races to close-range shootouts. They must avoid death.
Nevertheless, Mattie isn’t compensating Cogburn to kill. In fact, she is paying him just to track down the killer. In the end, she wants to pull the trigger herself. Will she vengeance her father’s killer?
“True Grit” original movie was released in 1969, in which John Wayne won the Oscars for “Best Actor.” Despite no Oscar wins for the True Grit remake, seasoned actor Jeff Bridges delivered a well-executed performance.
| Original Film | Remake | Outcome |
| True Grit (1969) | True Grit (2010) | Great original, matchable remake |
On the other hand, the film also introduced a young Hailee Steinfeld. From there on, she went on to appear in other films such as “The Edge of 17” (2016). In addition, she ventured into the music scene with the release of “Half Written Story” (2020).
Watch Bridges and Steinfeld’s first on-screen interaction in the link below.
