Without even realizing it, I'm on something of a Jeff Bridges kick as of late. It started out with TRON, the original, a couple of weeks ago (in anticipation of Legacy), then Legacy, Big Lebowski (technically, Kelly watched this without me, though I have seen it. Most of it), and culminating with True Grit this past weekend.
Phrases like "Oscar Contender" and "Instant Classic" have been tossed around when talking about the remake/reinterpretation of the 1968 novel of the same name (and 1969 film starring John Wayne). From my understanding, this version is much more faithful to the original novel than the '69 film, but never having read the book, I can only go on what I've read about it and what I've been told.
My question is, was this movie supposed to be a comedy? The trailers and advertisements make it out to be the revival of the Western-drama genre, but it seemed to be more tongue-in-cheek than anything. In a film about revenge and murder, there was an awful lot of joking aound and wordplay.
Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and will undoubtedly add it to my collection when it sees a home release, but I don't think it succeeds in what it set out to do. And that is be dramatic.
***SPOILER ALERT***
For example, Matt Damon's character accidentally walks into the ambush Jeff Bridges has set up for the gang he and the girl (I honestly can't remember the actress' name) have been tracking through the Indian Territory. Unable to warn him in time, Damon is wrangled up and is being dragged around by a horse. Before helping him, Bridges rattles off a joke. And then after the fight is over. And then as he is examining Matt Damon's injuries. And then Damon talks funny for the rest of the film.
***END SPOILER***
At no point did I feel the characters were in any real danger or that they wouldn't complete their task of hunting down the killer and bringing him to justice (JUSTICE!!!). I thought everything in the movie was great: The acting (especially the main girl), the feel, everything. It was just too damn funny. Even when something happens at the end, I didn't find it at all to be serious or dramatic. But maybe that's just me.
Some of you may be wondering why I put the word justice (JUSTICE!!!) in parentheses. It's a game that Scott and I started over Twitter regarding the show Smallville. Each season seems to have a theme, and last season's was justice (JUSTICE!!!). So, anytime a character saysthe word justice (JUSTICE!!!), the viewer is supposed to take a drink. I never did it myself, but I gotta imagine that someone playing would get pretty eff'ed up fast (especially in the episode 'Absolute Justice,' where the word was rattled off every 3 seconds). This season's game is The Darkness. So, for anyone brave enough to try it, watch an ep and take a drink anytime the word darkness is used.
Anyway, the point of that last paragraph is the True Grit drinking game. Take a drink every time the word grit is used. You'll be messed up pretty fast.
Speaking of Oscar contenders, I also took the time to see Black Swan. What a total mindf***. It's billed as a psychological thriller and boy does it deliver. It was beautifully acted and somehow actually made me care about the world of ballet, if only for two hours. Between this and Grit for best picture, I'd definitely take this. And not just because there is a very passionate moment between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. I mean, yeah, sure it helps (even if there was some freaky stuff going on besides, well, the freaky stuff). But it was still a very strong film without it.
So yeah, there you have it. I'd take a psychological thriller about ballet over a western starring a one-eyed Jeff Bridges. Whodathunkit?
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