Writer: Joel & Ethan Coen, Charles Portis (novel)
Director: Joel & Ethan Coen
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Maaaatt Daaamon
Synopsis
a 14 year old, stubborn, headstrong, and saavy, little lady hires an old coot drunkard of a marshall to apprehend the man who robbed and killed her father.
MOster
I went into this one with a bit of prejudice, because I haven't seen a bad serous Cohen movie in a long time. While it's not quite as good as No Country, this film did not disappoint me.
The performances perfectly mirror the disparities between the characters, with Steinfeld's read of what's-her-name spot-on; and Jeff Bridges elevates scene-chewing to a new standard of excellence. Rooster is gigantic, and he inflates right into the character. The background certainly makes the grade, but neither Damon nor Josh Brolin (who still sketches me out for some reason) come close to the central pair. Their relationship has palpable chemistry; and yes, I cried. I cried openly. I should have blown my nose on the shawl on the other side of the couch.
Everything else is right where it should be. The period stuff appeared to be very good--what the fuck do I know about the late 19th century?--and it was shot like the next, easy evolution of a Cohen film.
The Woman
i have not seen the john wayne "true grit" i have only seen "rooster cogburn" so i cannot comment on comparison. this was phenomenally good. solid 4 stars on the netflix scoring. that is way impressive in the orienter account. i will say in comparing "rooster cogburn" and this the characters in each were fantastic. strong willed woman theme too. go ladies? jeff bridges is crazy good at whatever he does. i'll forgive him for tron legacy and tucker: a man and his boring whatever crummy car nonsense dream. maybe i should revise that statement as it seems that with age he has seemingly gotten more confident in the roles he plays? maybe he just gets more opportunity to plays varying roles? i don't know. this, of course, was written stomach crampingly well. (that's a good thing) i usually enjoy when the vernacular causes the viewer to pay attention more.
despite moster crabbing about netflix not streaming the correct aspect ratio, it was, once again, unsurprisingly, shot magnificently. ahhhhhh. this is what film making should be. shots with purpose. shots to further the emotion. shots to convey character growth. me likey the good ones.
p.s. my husband is a giant vagina, and i enjoy busting his chops about his weepiness levels.
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