If you're a fan of gripping Western dramas and unforgettable performances, True Grit (2010) is undoubtedly a film that should be on your watchlist.
Directed by the acclaimed Coen Brothers and featuring an all-star cast led by Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin, this cinematic masterpiece is a captivating tale of justice and resilience in the Wild West.
What's True Grit About?
The movie is a gripping adaptation of Charles Portis' novel, set in the Wild West during the late 19th century.
The story revolves around a determined and fierce young girl named Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), who seeks retribution for her father's murder.
Mattie enlists the help of a grizzled, one-eyed U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), known for his relentless pursuit of justice.
Despite her youth, Mattie's courage and unwavering spirit are strong enough to drive Cogburn and a Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), on a thrilling manhunt for the murderer.
Where Can I Stream True Grit?
Now, let's dive into the streaming options available for True Grit across different countries and territories.
UNITED STATES: In the USA, you can stream True Grit on the following platforms: PARAMOUNT PLUS, AMAZON PRIME, MGM+ and FUBO. If you don't have any of these services, you can also rent or purchase the movie from APPLE TV, GOOGLE PLAY and MICROSOFT STORE (prices range from $2.99 – $3.99).
AUSTRALIA: In Australia, True Grit is available to stream on NETFLIX and STAN. If you are not subscribed, you can rent or buy the movie from APPLE TV or AMAZON.
NEW ZEALAND: True Grit is available to stream on NETFLIX in New Zealand. If you're not a customer of Netflix, rent options are available from the usual suspects, such as APPLE TV and GOOGLE PLAY.
IRELAND: In Ireland, True Grit can be streamed on NETFLIX, PARAMOUNT and SKY.
FRANCE: You can stream the classic western on CANAL+ or PARAMOUNT in France.
TURKEY: Fans of this movie in Turkey can stream it on NETFLIX. Rental and purchase options are available on APPLE TV and GOOGLE PLAY.
JAPAN: Western fans in Japan can watch on UNEXT if they have a subscription. Additionally, Amazon Prime has the movie for a small charge.
OTHER COUNTRIES: If you live in a country not listed here, don't worry! You can still stream True Grit using online streaming services like AppleTV, Amazon Prime or GooglePlay. Prices may vary depending on your region.
True Grit: A Tale of Two Films – 1969 vs 2010
True Grit has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on cinema, not just once but twice. The classic Western tale, originally brought to the silver screen in 1969, was later reimagined and retold in 2010.
Directed by Henry Hathaway and Joel and Ethan Coen, respectively, both films bear the same name but offer distinct interpretations.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the key differences between the 1969 and 2010 versions of True Grit and explore how each film brings its own unique flavour to this timeless story.
Plot and Setting:
The 1969 adaptation of True Grit faithfully captures the essence of Charles Portis' novel. Set in the late 19th century, the film revolves around Mattie Ross (Kim Darby), a young girl determined to avenge her father's murder.
She seeks the help of the rugged and hard-drinking U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne), forming an unlikely partnership as they embark on a perilous journey to track down the killer, Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey).
In contrast, the 2010 rendition of True Grit, directed by the Coen Brothers, takes a slightly different approach. While the core story remains intact, the film showcases more pronounced nuances and a darker tone.
With Hailee Steinfeld portraying the resolute Mattie Ross, Jeff Bridges as the gritty Rooster Cogburn, and Josh Brolin as the antagonist Tom Chaney, this adaptation delves deeper into the complexities of the character's motivations and relationships.
Performances and Style:
One of the most notable distinctions between the two films lies in the performances and cinematic styles.
In the 1969 version, John Wayne's portrayal of Rooster Cogburn is iconic, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Wayne brings a larger-than-life presence to the character, infusing the film with his trademark rugged charm.
Kim Darby's portrayal of Mattie Ross showcases the determination and spunk of the young girl on her quest for justice.
Conversely, the 2010 adaptation boasts a more nuanced and introspective approach. Jeff Bridges' interpretation of Rooster Cogburn is imbued with a gritty authenticity, capturing the character's complexities and flaws.
Hailee Steinfeld's performance as Mattie Ross is fierce and vulnerable, earning her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The Coen Brothers' directorial style adds a distinct visual flair to the film with stunning cinematography and meticulous attention to detail.
Conclusion:
While the 1969 and 2010 versions of True Grit share a common source material and central storyline, they offer distinct cinematic experiences.
The 1969 film captivates with John Wayne's larger-than-life presence and a more traditional Western approach, while the 2010 adaptation takes a darker route with exceptional performances and auteur filmmaking.
Whichever version you choose, True Grit remains an enduring tale of courage, determination, and justice. It reminds us of the power of storytelling and the beauty of film's ability to transport us to different eras and perspectives.
Where Was True Grit Filmed?
The 1969 classic movie True Grit was filmed mainly in Ouray County, Colorado, near Ridgway. The town of Ridgway is now home to the True Grit Cafe, a nod to the iconic movie.
One of the most iconic scenes from the movie was filmed at Hartwell Park in Ridgway – the hanging scene. This scene was shot on location and added a great deal of realism to this classic Western.
The scene in which Mattie rides her horse across the river was filmed at Blue Mesa on the Gunnison River.
The production process wasn't without its challenges. Filming took place during winter, and there were issues obtaining permits to shoot in certain areas. Despite these challenges, director Henry Hathaway captured some amazing shots that have become part of cinema history.
True Grit Trivia
Here are a few interesting facts about the classic Western:
- Remake, not a sequel: The film is the second adaptation of Charles Portis' 1968 novel of the same name which was previously filmed in 1969 starring John Wayne. The Coen brothers, however, have stated that their version is a more faithful adaptation of the novel and not a remake of the earlier film.
- Casting Hailee Steinfeld: The role of Mattie Ross, which was eventually played by Hailee Steinfeld, was one of the most sought-after roles for young actresses at the time. Over 15,000 girls auditioned for the part. Steinfeld was eventually nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in this film.
- Academy Award Nominations: The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Jeff Bridges, and Best Supporting Actress for Hailee Steinfeld. However, it did not win in any category.
- Cinematography: Roger Deakins, a frequent collaborator with the Coen brothers, was the cinematographer for the film. Known for his work in films like No Country for Old Men, Deakins created a distinct look for True Grit which was widely praised.
- Use of Language: Like the novel, the film is notable for its characters' use of period language and diction, which is more formal and complex than typical modern English. The Coens sought to preserve this element of the novel in their script.
- Box Office Success: True Grit is the highest-grossing film in the Coen brothers' career, earning over $250 million worldwide.
- Music: The film's music was composed by Carter Burwell, another frequent collaborator with the Coen brothers. The score includes 19th-century gospel music, in particular the hymn Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, with the melody often played in a minor key to create a haunting effect.
What Does True Grit Mean?
“True grit” refers to a combination of qualities, including perseverance, determination, courage, and resilience in facing adversity.
It's about having an indomitable spirit and achieving one's goals, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be.
The term “grit” itself is often used to describe firmness of character and an invincible spirit. When used in the context of the phrase “true grit,” it underscores the authenticity and depth of these qualities in a person.
In the context of the novel and film adaptations of “True Grit,” the term is used metaphorically to describe the toughness and resilience of the main characters, particularly the young protagonist, Mattie Ross.
Despite her youth and the harsh conditions, Mattie displays ‘true grit' through her tenacity and determination.
