True Grit (1969)

I remember seeing this movie many years ago for the first time when I was quite young. Because of that, “True Grit” did not affect me that much back then. I am a John Wayne fan nonetheless thanks to my father and grandfather. I finally saw it a second time as an adult and I am impressed by it. I am so glad that John Wayne won his only Oscar because of this film. It shows. The movie is a romantic western that some may find too old fashioned and unrealistic. I however enjoyed the movie because that is the kind of westerns that were made in the 60’s. The romantic feeling of this movie comes courtesy of composer Elmer Bernstein, the set design and the team spirit between Rooster, Mattie & La Boeuf. The acting in the film is also fun for the most part.

The Oscar nominated song at the start also helps to date the film as being made in the 60’s. The look of Fort Smith is quite idealistic. It isn’t very dirty when compared to other western towns that I have seen on the big screen and so we feel a sense of nostalgia and melodrama right off the bat. John Wayne is entertaining in every element of his performance as Rooster Cogburn but he doesn’t seem like the nasty guy that everyone in the town describes him as. He is a serious man but likeable unlike what other characters say about him. The trial and the dinner scene with Chen Lee are great moments for both Mattie and Rooster as we learn more about who they are as characters. La Boeuf’s persona as a ladies man doesn’t really work in the film. This is because Glen Campbell’s acting. He really is no help in supporting John Wayne in the film other than making the Duke look like an even better actor. I like how the lawyer Daggett running gag is used to create humor for this movie. Once on Ned Pepper’s trail, I love the moment when Mattie tried to get Rooster to stop drinking. “That baby sister is no trade,” says Rooster. John Wayne makes that line his own. Dennis Hopper does a great job as Moon, especially as he’s dying. The nighttime scene between Rooster and Mattie is one of John Wayne’s favorite scenes in his career and I can see why as he performs it. The banter between Rooster and La Boeuf throughout “True Grit” is quite funny thanks to Rooster’s wit. The fact that Mattie takes her father’s gun with her down to the creek seems a little too convenient but that is a minor flaw of the movie. Jeff Corey is wonderful as Tom Chaney. I like his acting at the creek with Mattie. This moment is also Kim Darby’s best scene. It was also fun watching Robert Duvall in this climax. If you thought John Wayne was macho before the climax, the way he handles the shotgun makes him the ultimate cowboy. Also, to see Rooster carrying Mattie after Little Blackie dies is quite a romantic sight. There is no phoniness in this moment. John Fiedler’s scene was nice in leading up to the end of the movie. We finally get to meet Daggett and he comes across as less than what Mattie made him out to be. He is a wonderful character nonetheless. I point out John Fiedler because he was the voice of Piglet in “Winnie the Pooh” up until his death in 2005. The final scene in winter has wonderful, idealistic resolution as John Wayne jumps over the fence and rides off. He performed this jump himself without the aid of a stuntman and that is the way it should be. Rooster’s change of mind towards Mattie is quite realistic thanks to John Wayne’s performance.

Many people are surprised that John Wayne only won one Oscar but it is better than none. Every role of his is special and at the same time familiar. His performance as Rooster Cogburn is just another fine piece of work and happen to be the best acting job of 1969. It is my favorite film of that year. “True Grit” is a melodramatic and adventurous tale that was quite well created for its time. Fans of the Duke should not miss out on this film.

3.5 Stars