The Patch Is On A Different Eye: The Remake of True Grit

I recently caught the remake of True Grit at my local theatre. This movie was made by the Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan, who are more adept at comedy than drama. Film comedies, as they should be, are shallow and that's the feeling I get from this film. It was rushed and mailed in.While the source book is not a heavy tome by any means, it is deserving of far more serious treatment than it receives here. The advertising for the film is that it is closer to the book than the original version. I'm not seeing it. Charles Portis wrote the book with John Wayne in mind and Wayne called Marguerite Roberts' screenplay the best he had ever worked with. In preparation for seeing the remake, I reread the book and rewatched the 1969 version. While there are differences and similarities between the two movies and each movie and the book, I think the biggest differences are found in the screenplays and minds of the directors. Each version has more than its share of scenes found in the book but neither is 100% true and its how they are presented on screen that makes a difference. I really can't pronounce either version as better than the other one, though. For instance, I thoroughly disliked Mattie Ross in the 1969 version and the rat killing scene (it's in the book) was absent in 2010. I was disappointed some because I was looking for a far superior film this time, but I did warn myself. When I heard that the Coens were doing the remake, I shook my head. They weren't right for this film and it shows. When this is released I'll get the Blu-Ray version and add it to my library. Maybe a rewatch will make a difference. But I don't think so. The dude ain't no duke.