All worked out last night, so I thought I would share just a few observations about the film.
The adaptation is good. Even to the point of brilliant. There were a few parts that were slightly changed, but I got the feeling that was done entirely in the name of making it a better fit for the medium. All of the major (and minor) episodes of the book were retained in the film, as was most of the dialogue. And a big tip of the hat goes to the performance of the cast as well as the Coen Brothers' adaptation for breathing life (and quirkiness, of course) into the film. It was a much darker story that played out in my mind as I read the book. The bearskin medicine man was the only major addition, and it was the point at which I said to myself "Yep. This is a Coen Brothers film." The biggest change was also, arguably the best (SPOILER ALERT, hilight to read): in the book, Mattie Ross only wounds Tom Chaney, LaBoeuf finishes him off. In the film, Mattie does it herself, a fitting and arguably justified end to the film's main storyline. Or maguffin. Take your pick.
I say maguffin, because that may seem like the major plot of the book, but the book isn't really about that. It is about proving that not only Rooster Cogburn, but also LaBoeuf, Little Blackie and especially Mattie Ross all have True Grit.
Hailee Steinfeld is great as Mattie Ross. Believe the hype. The whole story kind of hangs on her performance, and she delivers. It is all the more impressive that this newcomer held her own with Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin.
And casting Barry Pepper as Lucky Ned Pepper? Genius. Pure genius. (Not casting Shia LaBeouf as LaBoeuf? Equally genius.)
Tell me what you think in the comments.
And go read something today!
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