True Grit
There are two versions of the movie True Grit, both
based on the novel by Charles Portis of the same title. While the remake
is every bit as good as the original, in a lot of respects, it lacks
one key element. In the climactic scene where Rooster Cogburn charges
down four members of the outlaw gang led by Lucky Ned Pepper over an
open field, the original movie starring John Wayne had a wall of aspen
trees as the backdrop. The remake has no such majesty in this key scene.
As for the plot, we have three main characters who are all out to find an outlaw, each for their own reasons. Mattie Ross wants justice for her father's murder. LaBoeuf (pronounced "LaBeef") wants a big reward being offered in Texas, and Rooster Cogburn wants to rid the country of one more malcontent while helping the young Mattie find her justice.
Mattie is introduced meeting with the town's undertaker about her father's body. He has been brutally murdered by an outlaw named Tom Chaney, but her demeanor is cold and emotionless. She even argues briefly with the undertaker about the price of her father's embalming.
Arguing price is something at which Mattie excels. She questions the undertaker, but is satisfied with his answers and does not push the subject, but the next day she meets the owner of the livery stable where her father's horses were being held. She argues, using her own brand of logic, until the owner finally agrees to her price. During the conversation, she brings out her greatest weapon - her attorney.
Mattie believes in justice, but does not believe the court system always lives up to its purpose. She believes that the person with the best lawyer will always win in a court of law, and she has the best lawyer. Mattie is always "firm in the right," in her opinion, so she must win every argument she enters. The threat of legal action is only one (very effective) tool.
LaBoeuf is introduced watching Mattie sleep. In the course of the ensuing conversation, he mentions that he considered stealing a kiss, even though she is young (14 years old). When he gets to know her, however, he begins to think she deserves a whipping rather than a kiss. When she rides out to meet him and Rooster, he finally gives in, grabs a switch, and starts beating. Rooster thinks he's enjoying it too much and calls him off by drawing on him.
Out on the trail, LaBoeuf is constantly trying "one-up" Rooster. He shows great pride in being a Texas Ranger, even though it requires such sacrifices as small fires and muddy drinking water. He blames it on "Ranger policy," but he really seems to enjoy being the "greater sufferer."
When Chaney seems to be lost and the trail goes cold, he departs. When he leaves, he is, as he describes, "considerably diminished." His shoulder has been shot and he has nearly severed his tongue. At his point, he is the only one who has any physical injury.
Mattie selects Rooster as her Marshall because she believes he has "true grit." That in itself is enough to establish him as the spirit character in this story. For Rooster, eliminating evil is more important than the letter of the law. He is introduced testifying in a trial where he must defend his actions in taking down a family of outlaws. His methods are questionable, but the result is less evil in the world. That is his "cause."
When Rooster is questioning Quincy and Moon, he concentrates more on Moon because he shows a hint of kindness. When Quincy kills Moon, Rooster is sympathetic, but he shows no sympathy whatsoever toward Quincy.
Rooster is a tough character, but his true nature comes out when Mattie is bitten by the snake. He knows she will die if she doesn't get help, so he rides hard and fast, so much so that the horse collapses and must be put down. He then carries Mattie in his arms, running toward help until he collapses himself. Fortunately for Mattie, they are close enough to help to get their attention with a gunshot. He risked his life to save the life of another, a true spirit character trait.
As for the plot, we have three main characters who are all out to find an outlaw, each for their own reasons. Mattie Ross wants justice for her father's murder. LaBoeuf (pronounced "LaBeef") wants a big reward being offered in Texas, and Rooster Cogburn wants to rid the country of one more malcontent while helping the young Mattie find her justice.
The Mind Character: Mattie Ross
Mattie is introduced meeting with the town's undertaker about her father's body. He has been brutally murdered by an outlaw named Tom Chaney, but her demeanor is cold and emotionless. She even argues briefly with the undertaker about the price of her father's embalming.
Arguing price is something at which Mattie excels. She questions the undertaker, but is satisfied with his answers and does not push the subject, but the next day she meets the owner of the livery stable where her father's horses were being held. She argues, using her own brand of logic, until the owner finally agrees to her price. During the conversation, she brings out her greatest weapon - her attorney.
Mattie believes in justice, but does not believe the court system always lives up to its purpose. She believes that the person with the best lawyer will always win in a court of law, and she has the best lawyer. Mattie is always "firm in the right," in her opinion, so she must win every argument she enters. The threat of legal action is only one (very effective) tool.
The Body Character: LaBoeuf
LaBoeuf is introduced watching Mattie sleep. In the course of the ensuing conversation, he mentions that he considered stealing a kiss, even though she is young (14 years old). When he gets to know her, however, he begins to think she deserves a whipping rather than a kiss. When she rides out to meet him and Rooster, he finally gives in, grabs a switch, and starts beating. Rooster thinks he's enjoying it too much and calls him off by drawing on him.
Out on the trail, LaBoeuf is constantly trying "one-up" Rooster. He shows great pride in being a Texas Ranger, even though it requires such sacrifices as small fires and muddy drinking water. He blames it on "Ranger policy," but he really seems to enjoy being the "greater sufferer."
When Chaney seems to be lost and the trail goes cold, he departs. When he leaves, he is, as he describes, "considerably diminished." His shoulder has been shot and he has nearly severed his tongue. At his point, he is the only one who has any physical injury.
The Spirit Character: Rooster Cogburn
Mattie selects Rooster as her Marshall because she believes he has "true grit." That in itself is enough to establish him as the spirit character in this story. For Rooster, eliminating evil is more important than the letter of the law. He is introduced testifying in a trial where he must defend his actions in taking down a family of outlaws. His methods are questionable, but the result is less evil in the world. That is his "cause."
When Rooster is questioning Quincy and Moon, he concentrates more on Moon because he shows a hint of kindness. When Quincy kills Moon, Rooster is sympathetic, but he shows no sympathy whatsoever toward Quincy.
Rooster is a tough character, but his true nature comes out when Mattie is bitten by the snake. He knows she will die if she doesn't get help, so he rides hard and fast, so much so that the horse collapses and must be put down. He then carries Mattie in his arms, running toward help until he collapses himself. Fortunately for Mattie, they are close enough to help to get their attention with a gunshot. He risked his life to save the life of another, a true spirit character trait.
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