I rented the most recent version of True Grit this weekend (Jeff Bridges, Mat Damon) and was most impressed by it.
I didn't expect it to be so funny in addition to the grittiness.
Check today's quote in the sidebar for what I mean.
Anyway, I was intrigued enough to now want to watch the first version to compare John Wayne to Jeff Bridges. And also read the book to see how well the movie stacks up to it. For me to be interested enough to even consider doing all that, it means I was well and truly riveted.
I also liked the way that any long shots (for the guns) were equaled by long shots from the camera, showing just how very difficult it was to see anything at the ranges being spoken of.
Recommended, though there are a couple of spots where the violence was truly horrific, albeit brief.
I enjoyed the original not long ago thinking I would watch the new version soon but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Thanks for the reminder to put it on my list.
ReplyDeleteLike you, after watching the new version, I watched the original, with new appreciation. Then I found the novel on-line in .pdf format and read that. The result was some interesting new insights into novel writing and movie-making.
ReplyDeleteA worthwhile exercise.
I didn't realize it was based on a book until I read this post. I'll have to add that to my list as well. Sounds like a fun exercise like Paul says.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of the original movie and had trepidations about a Coen Bros. version. They did a great job too. My preference is their version. I received the novel as a Christmas present and it's crossing the Atlantic right now, so I will read it in the next three years for sure!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all of them.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion:
Original movie version:
John Wayne chews the scenary too much.
Neither Kim Darby nor Glenn Campbell can act.
I loved Robert Duvall as Lucky Ned Pepper. I loved Dennis Hopper as Moon.
2010 movie
Josh Brolin is a better Chaney.
Much closer adaptation to the novel.
In general, had a better "western" milieu feel about it...
I totally recommend the novel, too. I read the novel when in came out in '70 too. And, re-read it a few months back. Still holds up very well unlike the first movie version.
Loved the original ...
ReplyDeleteLoved the remake ...
Both beautiful pieces of film making!!
The book is better than the movie, if I remember correctly. I really liked the writer's style, which is something that never translates to the screen.
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ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Maeve
ah! my family and I were just hysterical at parts of the film. (The rest of the audience thought we were crazy.) I think that's what saves the Cohen Bros from real nihilism: they honestly find humor in humanity.
ReplyDelete