The 2010 film True Grit, directed by the Coen brothers, is a remake of the 1969 classic of the same name, which starred John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn. The original film was a critical and commercial success, earning Wayne his only Academy Award for Best Actor. So, why did the Coen brothers decide to remake a film that is still widely regarded as a classic of the Western genre? In this article, we’ll explore the motivations behind the Coen brothers’ decision to remake True Grit and examine the key differences between the two films.
The Original True Grit: A Classic of the Western Genre
Before we dive into the reasons behind the remake, it’s worth taking a closer look at the original True Grit. The 1969 film was directed by Henry Hathaway and starred John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn, a tough, aging U.S. Marshal who helps a young girl named Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) track down her father’s killer in Indian Territory. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Wayne his only Academy Award for Best Actor and cementing his status as a Hollywood legend.
A Faithful Adaptation of the Novel
The original True Grit was a relatively faithful adaptation of Charles Portis’s novel of the same name. The novel, published in 1968, tells the story of Mattie Ross, a young girl who hires Rooster Cogburn to help her track down her father’s killer. The novel is known for its witty dialogue, strong characters, and vivid descriptions of the American West. The 1969 film adaptation stayed largely true to the novel, with some minor changes to the story and characters.
The Coen Brothers’ Vision for True Grit
So, why did the Coen brothers decide to remake True Grit? In a 2010 interview with The Guardian, Joel Coen explained that the brothers had always been fans of the novel and wanted to create a more faithful adaptation of the book. “We were attracted to the idea of doing a more literal adaptation of the novel,” Coen said. “The original film was a good film, but it was not a very faithful adaptation of the book.”
A Darker, More Violent Tone
One of the key differences between the Coen brothers’ True Grit and the original film is the tone. While the 1969 film was a relatively lighthearted, family-friendly Western, the Coen brothers’ version is darker and more violent. The film features a number of intense action sequences, including a shootout in a cabin and a dramatic confrontation between Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) and the villainous Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin).
A More Faithful Portrayal of Rooster Cogburn
Another key difference between the two films is the portrayal of Rooster Cogburn. In the original film, John Wayne played Cogburn as a tough, aging marshal with a heart of gold. In the Coen brothers’ version, Jeff Bridges plays Cogburn as a more complex, nuanced character. Bridges’s Cogburn is a tough, hard-drinking marshal who is also a bit of a loner. He’s a more faithful portrayal of the character from the novel, who is described as a “one-eyed, fat, old man” with a penchant for whiskey.
The Casting Process
The casting process for the Coen brothers’ True Grit was a long and arduous one. The brothers had a clear idea of who they wanted to play the lead roles, but they faced some challenges in finding the right actors.
Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn
The Coen brothers had always wanted Jeff Bridges to play Rooster Cogburn. Bridges is a highly respected actor who has appeared in a number of films, including The Big Lebowski and Crazy Heart. He’s known for his versatility and his ability to play complex, nuanced characters. Bridges was the Coen brothers’ first choice for the role of Cogburn, and he eventually agreed to take on the part.
Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross
The role of Mattie Ross was a bit more challenging to cast. The Coen brothers wanted an actress who could play the role of a strong, independent young girl who is also vulnerable and naive. They eventually settled on Hailee Steinfeld, a young actress who had previously appeared in a number of films and television shows. Steinfeld was just 13 years old when she was cast in the role, but she proved to be a talented and capable actress who was able to hold her own alongside Bridges and the other actors.
The Filming Process
The filming process for True Grit was a complex and challenging one. The Coen brothers are known for their meticulous attention to detail, and they spent a lot of time preparing for the film.
Location Shooting
The film was shot on location in New Mexico and Texas. The Coen brothers wanted to capture the beauty and majesty of the American West, and they spent a lot of time scouting out locations that would fit the story. The film features a number of stunning landscapes, including sweeping vistas of the desert and dramatic mountain ranges.
Costume Design
The costume design for True Grit was also an important aspect of the film. The Coen brothers wanted to create a realistic and authentic look for the characters, and they spent a lot of time researching the clothing and costumes of the period. The film features a number of intricate and detailed costumes, including Mattie Ross’s dresses and Rooster Cogburn’s marshal’s uniform.
Reception and Legacy
The Coen brothers’ True Grit was a critical and commercial success. The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of the cast, the direction of the Coen brothers, and the film’s faithful adaptation of the novel.
Awards and Nominations
The film received a number of awards and nominations, including 10 Academy Award nominations. The film won no Oscars, but it did win a number of other awards, including the National Board of Review Award for Best Film.
A Lasting Legacy
The Coen brothers’ True Grit has had a lasting legacy in the world of cinema. The film is widely regarded as one of the best Westerns of the past few decades, and it has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the novel, its strong performances, and its stunning cinematography. The film has also been recognized as a classic of American cinema, and it continues to be studied and admired by film scholars and enthusiasts around the world.
In conclusion, the Coen brothers’ decision to remake True Grit was motivated by a desire to create a more faithful adaptation of the novel. The film is a darker, more violent take on the original story, with a more complex and nuanced portrayal of Rooster Cogburn. The casting process was a long and arduous one, but the Coen brothers eventually found the right actors for the lead roles. The filming process was complex and challenging, but the end result was a film that is widely regarded as a classic of American cinema.
What inspired the Coen Brothers to remake True Grit?
The Coen Brothers, known for their unique filmmaking style and attention to detail, were inspired to remake True Grit after reading Charles Portis’ 1968 novel of the same name. They were drawn to the story’s rich characters, witty dialogue, and the opportunity to explore themes of morality, justice, and redemption in the American West. The brothers were also fans of the original 1969 film starring John Wayne, but they wanted to create a more faithful adaptation of the novel, which they felt had been overlooked in the previous film.
The Coen Brothers’ vision for the remake was to create a more nuanced and complex film that stayed true to the spirit of the novel. They worked closely with the cast, including Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, and Matt Damon, to bring the characters to life in a way that was both authentic and engaging. The result was a film that was both a homage to the original and a fresh take on the classic Western genre.
How does the Coen Brothers’ version of True Grit differ from the original 1969 film?
The Coen Brothers’ version of True Grit differs from the original 1969 film in several key ways. One of the most notable differences is the tone of the film. While the original film was more of a traditional Western with a clear hero and villain, the Coen Brothers’ version is darker and more nuanced, with a greater emphasis on the complexities of human nature. The film also features a stronger focus on the character of Mattie Ross, played by Hailee Steinfeld, who is the true protagonist of the story.
Another significant difference between the two films is the level of violence and gore. The Coen Brothers’ version is more graphic and intense, with a greater emphasis on the harsh realities of life in the American West. The film’s cinematography and production design also differ from the original, with a greater emphasis on creating a gritty and realistic portrayal of the time period. Overall, the Coen Brothers’ version of True Grit is a more complex and nuanced film that offers a fresh take on the classic Western genre.
What role did the Coen Brothers play in the production of the film?
The Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan, played a significant role in the production of the film, serving as both directors and writers. They worked closely with the cast and crew to bring their vision to life, and were heavily involved in all aspects of the production, from script development to editing. The brothers are known for their meticulous attention to detail and their commitment to creating a unique and authentic cinematic experience.
In addition to directing and writing the film, the Coen Brothers also produced the film, along with Scott Rudin and Steven Spielberg. They worked closely with the producers to ensure that the film stayed true to their vision, and were involved in all major creative decisions. The Coen Brothers’ involvement in the production of the film helped to ensure that the final product was a cohesive and engaging work that stayed true to the spirit of the novel.
How did the Coen Brothers approach the task of adapting the novel for the screen?
The Coen Brothers approached the task of adapting the novel for the screen with a great deal of care and attention to detail. They worked closely with the cast and crew to ensure that the film stayed true to the spirit of the novel, and were heavily involved in all aspects of the production. The brothers are known for their meticulous attention to detail, and they brought this same level of dedication to the task of adapting the novel.
One of the key challenges of adapting the novel was finding a way to balance the complex characters and plot with the demands of a feature film. The Coen Brothers worked closely with the cast, including Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld, to develop the characters and bring the story to life in a way that was both authentic and engaging. They also worked closely with the cinematographer, Roger Deakins, to create a visually stunning film that captured the beauty and harshness of the American West.
What was the significance of the film’s cinematography and production design?
The film’s cinematography and production design played a significant role in bringing the story to life and creating a visually stunning film. The Coen Brothers worked closely with cinematographer Roger Deakins to create a gritty and realistic portrayal of the American West, using a combination of natural lighting and careful camera placement to capture the beauty and harshness of the landscape.
The production design, led by Jess Gonchor, was also crucial in creating a believable and immersive world. The team worked closely with the Coen Brothers to create a detailed and accurate portrayal of the time period, from the costumes and sets to the props and special effects. The result was a film that was both visually stunning and deeply immersive, drawing the viewer into the world of the story and refusing to let go.
How did the film’s cast contribute to the success of the film?
The film’s cast, including Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, and Matt Damon, played a significant role in the success of the film. The actors brought a level of depth and nuance to their characters that helped to bring the story to life in a way that was both authentic and engaging. Jeff Bridges, in particular, was praised for his performance as Rooster Cogburn, bringing a level of complexity and humanity to the character that was not present in the original film.
Hailee Steinfeld, who played the role of Mattie Ross, was also widely praised for her performance, bringing a level of intelligence and determination to the character that was both inspiring and compelling. The chemistry between the cast members was also a key factor in the film’s success, with the actors working closely together to create a believable and immersive world. Overall, the cast’s performances were a crucial element in the film’s success, helping to bring the story to life in a way that was both authentic and engaging.
What was the critical and commercial reception of the film?
The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the Coen Brothers’ direction, the cast’s performances, and the film’s cinematography and production design. The film holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its nuanced and complex portrayal of the American West. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $252 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing Westerns of all time.
The film received 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Jeff Bridges. Although it did not win any Oscars, the film’s critical and commercial success helped to cement the Coen Brothers’ reputation as two of the most innovative and respected filmmakers working today. The film’s success also helped to revitalize the Western genre, paving the way for future films that explored the complexities and nuances of the American West.