How Matt Damon’s True Grit Breathed New Life Into Westerns
Matt Damon’s role in the Coen Brothers’ True Grit helped redefine the Western for a new era, earning 10 Oscar nominations and sparking debate over its place among genre classics. Discover what set this film apart and why fans still talk about its legacy.
In 2010, Matt Damon joined forces with Ethan and Joel Coen to deliver a Western that would leave a lasting mark on the genre. True Grit, hailed as one of the standout Westerns of the 21st century, centers on the determined Mattie Ross, played by Hailee Steinfeld, as she seeks justice for her father’s murder. With the help of the grizzled Rooster Cogburn, portrayed by Jeff Bridges, and Damon’s Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, the trio embarks on a relentless pursuit of the outlaw Tom Chaney, brought to life by Josh Brolin.
True Grit didn’t just revisit the classic Western formula—it revitalized it. The film ’s release was met with critical acclaim, earning a remarkable 10 nominations at the 83rd Academy Awards. Steinfeld’s performance, especially impressive as her first major film role, landed her a nod for Best Supporting Actress. The movie ’s success at the box office and with audiences underscored its impact, with a 95% critics’ score and 85% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a worldwide gross surpassing $252 million.
Reimagining a Classic: The Coen Brothers ’ Approach
What made this adaptation stand out from the many Westerns that came before? Drawing from Charles Portis’ original novel, the Coen Brothers managed to honor the source material while infusing the story with their own distinct style. Their version is often considered a step above the 1969 film, which starred John Wayne and received its own share of praise, including an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Fans and critics alike have pointed to the film’s exceptional cast, Carter Burwell’s memorable score, and Roger Deakins’ stunning cinematography as key elements that set it apart. The Coens’ creative choices, while sometimes diverging from the novel, only served to strengthen the film’s identity and emotional resonance.
Audience Verdict: A Modern Masterpiece
Debate has long swirled around which version of True Grit reigns supreme. While the 1969 original holds a special place in cinematic history, the consensus among many moviegoers is that the Coen Brothers’ take is the definitive adaptation. The film’s ability to balance faithfulness to the novel with bold artistic decisions has earned it a devoted following.
As one fan put it,
"The people have spoken, and they chose the Coen Brothers’ remake as the ultimate winner of this debate. Do you agree?"
The performances, direction, and technical achievements have all contributed to its enduring reputation as a modern classic.
Oscar Night: A Surprising Shutout
Despite its critical and commercial success, True Grit left the Oscars empty-handed. The film was up for Best Picture alongside heavyweights like The King’s Speech, Inception, and The Social Network. Ultimately, The King’s Speech took home the top prize, while True Grit went zero for ten in its nominated categories. The snub, particularly for Steinfeld’s acclaimed performance, remains a sore spot for many fans.
True Grit’s nominations spanned Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing. The film’s shutout at the ceremony still sparks discussion among movie lovers, who argue that its artistry and performances deserved greater recognition.
Today, viewers can stream the 2010 version on Paramount+ via Prime Video, while the original is available on MGM+ through the same platform.