127 Hours

Near the end of his ordeal as portrayed in Boyle’s film 127 Hours, Aron Ralston, after cutting off his arm to free himself, turns to the boulder that has trapped him for the last 5 days, snaps a photo and says, “Thank you.”

While it could be argued that the film reinforces the sentiment that “What doesn’t kill you makes you stranger,” I think that Ralston, Boyle and co. have a different lesson in mind: “What makes you realize your weakness and dependence is better than strength any day.”

True Grit

I watched the original True Grit recently in prep for The Coen’s remake, and while I usually have nothing good to say about the concept of remakes, I think the Coens may be on to something here.

The original is a classic, to be sure, and I don’t want to give the impression that the original didn’t succeed, but I think the Coens have plenty to add to the film, and, yes, even improve upon it.

1)      The acting – It seems to me that many, if not most, older films hold to a different standard for acting greatness. It’s not that theirs were bad actors or actresses, but the artifice that characterized older films is unfamiliar and often oft-putting to viewers from our generation. Some performances seem affected or stilted by our standards. I think that Bridges, Damon and Brolin will adapt the material in a way that will resonate with more authenticity to present day viewers.

2)      Direction – Fresh off my first viewing of Fargo, I can say with all confidence that the Coens will certainly one-up director Henry Hathaway when it comes to setting a mood and blocking the action. In True Grit’s first act we witness a murder that serves as the instigating action propelling the rest of the plot. In the original, this murder is chronicled with such matter-of-fact objectivity that the emotional gravity is totally lost on the audience. You don’t really feel anything when it happens. But most every time someone dies in a Coen film, you feel it, and it hits hard. They know how to transform something objective and sterile into an experience that is subjective and visceral. I think they will do that here.

3)      Overall Look – The film is called True Grit, and while the resilience and determination of these two characters shines through in the original film (when Wayne’s Rooster Cogburn rides head to head against against Duvall’s Ned Pepper, you just can’t help but admire him), even from the previews I think the Coens have done a better job of making this film gritty, which it should be given the title, right? The art design, lighting and Deakins’ cinematography look like they’ll make this material pop in a way that the original director and crew did not (or could not).

So I’m believing in the Coens here, and I think I will be vindicated. I do not think they win the best pic Oscar this year because the Academy has to spread the love, but I will go on record to say that this one will reside near the top, and I think it will deserve its place.

It releases tomorrow so if you get a chance to catch the film and agree or disagree let me know. I hope to write my own review once i get a chance to sneak off to the theater.