True Grit

March 17, 2011

True Grit

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2011 The Coen Brothers’ remake of the 1969 John Wayne epic is superior in every way: stronger acting, greater attention to period detail, more faithful to the 1968 novel by Charles Portis, a tighter script and more humor (though the last is so low-key you’ll have to watch for […]

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Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2011

True Grit: ©2010 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. All Rights Reserved

The Coen Brothers’ remake of the 1969 John Wayne epic is superior in every way: stronger acting, greater attention to period detail, more faithful to the 1968 novel by Charles Portis, a tighter script and more humor (though the last is so low-key you’ll have to watch for it). The real pleasure here is the superb delivery of the novel’s authentic dialogue. The term “remake” doesn’t do this justice. In fact, it restores the fiery spirit and humor of the source material that was drained away by the previous movie. This is a fine, classic Western, a tale of vengeance well told.