Surname 1

Student’s Name

Professor’s Name

Course

Due Date

Film Analysis

Film Impression

True Grit is a 2010 remake of a 1969 classic adapted from a novel by Charles Portis. The movie

was directed by the Coen brothers, Ethan and Joel and produced by Skydance Productions,

currently called Skydance Media, LLC. The main film cast includes Hailee Steinfield as Mattie

Ross, Jeff Bridges as Marshal Rooster Cogburn, Matt Damon as Mr. LaBoeuf, Josh Brolin as

Tom Chaney, and Barry Pepper as Lucky Ned Pepper. True Grit has good cinematography with

realistic landscapes of the American frontier. The cast's performances are also impressive as they

balance the roughness needed to survive in the Wild West with a growing tenderness as they

become accustomed to each. Coens’ narrative structure, mise-en-scene elements, and editing

enhance the story’s themes, add depth to the characters and setting, and keep viewers engaged.

Plot Summary

True Grit is a story of revenge, justice, and perseverance required to survive in the American

West. The movie depicts Mattie Ross as a resilient girl navigating a male-dominated rough world

with Marshal Cogburn and Mr. LaBoeuf helping her avenge her father's death. Tom Chaney

Frank Ross before escaping into Indian Territory. Ross's daughter, Mattie, demands justice for

him, but the sheriff denies her request because Chaney is not in his territory. Instead, the sheriff

recommends Marshal Cogburn to Mattie. Marshal Cogburn does not consider Mattie's initial

proposal serious until she agrees to a $100 reward in a professional manner beyond her age. The
 Surname 2

pair encounter a Texas Ranger, Mr. LaBoeuf pursuing Chaney from Texas. Although Cogburn

partners with Mr. LaBoeuf, Mattie is against it because she wants Chaney tried and murdered in

Fort Smith, while Mr. LaBoeuf wants him tried in Texas. During the quest, Cogburn and

LaBoeuf annoy each other and separate. Mattie accidentally encounters Chaney, who kidnaps her

and presents her to Ned Pepper. Cogburn and Mr. LaBoeuf appear to rescue her, and when they

become injured, Cogburn rushes Mattie to a doctor. The movie ends with a flash-forward of a

one-armed Mattie visiting Marshal Cogburn's circus, but she realizes he is dead. Mattie reburies

the marshal in her hometown.

Cinematic Elements

True Grit has a clearly defined plot arc with a narrative structure of a classic hero’s journey. The

narrative involves the protagonist undergoing trials and challenges before confronting the

antagonist, Tom Chaney. The film is told from the perspective of Mattie Ross, the protagonist. It

begins with a prologue explaining Mattie’s background and motivation to find Chaney, setting

the conflict. She begins her journey, where she encounters Marshal Cogburn and Mr. LaBoeuf,

who will help her throughout the journey. The three face challenges, like hostile gangs in Indian

Territory and conflicts that build conflict and confrontation, making them separate. The three

join in finalizing their quest during the final confrontation with the antagonist. This well-crafted

and effective narrative structure engages the audience in the protagonist’s journey.

The film’s mise-en-scene creates an immersive and authentic atmosphere. The costumes

are historically accurate and convey information about the characters. Although the costumes are

classic American West fashion, each character has a distinct design. Mattie’s simple dress and

hat show her practical nature, while the marshal’s worn-out and disheveled clothing shows his

wild and unconventional nature. The film set also gives an immersive sense of the Old West. For
 Surname 3

example, the terrain is harsh and unforgiving, buildings design less sophisticated, wide and

untarmacked streets, and horse carriages as transport means. The lighting creates an appropriate

mood and atmosphere in every scene. For example, the final confrontation of Ned Pepper’s gang

happens at dusk to enhance drama and tension. The camera framing creates a sense of space and

perspective. For example, the shots during the final confrontation show Mattie and Mr. LaBoeuf

watching Marshal Cogburn’s action with Ned Pepper from the cliff. The wide shot conveys the

West's vastness, emptiness, and brutality. The props are historically accurate and reflect the

character’s personalities. For example, the marshal’s eyepatch and rifle show his tenacity and

experience, while Mattie’s saddlebags show her resourcefulness and preparedness for the

journey. Overall, the mise-en-scene is immersive, with attention to detail, creating an authentic

atmosphere throughout the film.

The editing is skillful and contributes to the narrative and visual impact. One major skill

used is crosscutting. Some scenes alternate to fit all actions. For example, during Mattie’s

confrontation with Chaney, the editor alternates between this shot and Marshal Cogburn

confronting Ned Pepper to create tension and urgency. The film also uses jump cuts to make the

audience disoriented and uneasy. For example, when the rattlesnake bites Mattie, the editor

forwards the scene to show her in pain making the audience sympathize with her. The film’s

pace also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum. For example, when Marshal Cogburn and

Mattie ride to the doctor at the film's end, the editor cuts between multiple shots of the horse

galloping in exhaustion and the marshal carrying Mattie to increase tension and urgency. Overall

the crosscutting, jump cutting, and pace of the film create tension and progression that keeps the

audience engaged from the beginning to the end of the film.

Conclusion
 Surname 4

In summary, the Coen brothers use appropriate cinematic elements, including narrative structure,

mise-en-scene elements, and editing, which keep the story relatable and engaging to the

audience. The film follows Mattie in a quest to avenge her father's death, assisted by Marshal

Cogburn and Mr. LaBoeuf. The film’s narrative structure keeps viewers engaged as they follow

Mattie through her quest. Mise-en-scene elements make the film immersive with attention to

detail and an authentic setting. The editing is skillful with cross-cutting, jump-cutting, and the

film’s pace keeping the audience engaged throughout the story. Strong characters. Overall, I will

give the film 4 out of 5 stars because it is satisfying and blends a good narrative structure,

attention to detail, and editing. I recommend this movie to Western genre enthusiasts.