Just saw True Grit -- it's wonderful. Highly recommended on Marie's Movies list. It has incredible cinematography with unforgettable images of high contrast -- dark hoop skirts and long wool coats of the era set against a wash of iconic western Arkansas frontier town or landscape. Far from a romantic take on the time or place.
Death and danger -- though comically portrayed -- are never far from the surface. Mattie spends her first night in town in a coffin.
The language is elaborate -- almost Dickensian. Rarely is there a contraction -- it's always "I do not" or "He cannot" instead of "don't" or "can't".... the only exception to this highly elevated language is Rooster Cogburn -- who is as basic as the dusty earth itself.
Jeff Bridges is fantastic -- what a wonderful second chance after his last great role last year in Crazy Heart -- and the little girl is formidable -- both as character and actress. I can't help but think that part of the story's theme (the book was written in the 60's) is an examination of the limitations set on strong female characters -- and the end of the story may bear this out.
Although completely different from the 60's version of the movie (also wonderful), this movie is challenging to listen to, beautiful to watch, and sheer delight in its uniqueness and charm.
No comments:
Post a Comment