Great Movie Scenes #5: “True Grit” by Max Markowitz
MOVIE: True Grit (2010)
SCENE: “Debt Negotiation”
ACTORS: Hailee Steinfeld as “Mattie Ross”, Dakin Matthews as “Colonel Stonehill”
DIRECTORS: Joel & Ethan Coen
WRITERS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Scott Rudin
Joel & Ethan Coen’s 2010 “True Grit” is 100 times better than the original because it breathes the essence of the title: True Grit. The cultural limitations of 1969 simply didn't understand the ruthlessness True Grit represents and so that version (While critically acclaimed) simply can't measure up. This especially proves to be true in the negotiation scene that occurs early in the film.
14-year-old MATTIE ROSS (Hailee Steinfeld) shows up at the office of COL. STONEHILL (Dakin Matthews), the man her father bought horses and saddles from. MATTIE’S father has been murdered and before venturing out to hunt down his killer, she wants to be clear of any debt that may be inflicted on her family. COL. STONEHILL won't take responsibility for anything, but young MATTIE
firmly holds her ground. She's wise beyond her years and she's not afraid to show it.
Clever dialogue just isn't enough to make a great scene. You also need a specific actor to carry it out just right. Of the 800-something young actresses who auditioned for MATTIE ROSS, Steinfeld won the part fair and square. This scene really bares all in showing who MATTIE is at this point.
If you pay close attention to her mannerisms,speech patterns, and the way she looks at powerful men, she may very well remind you of July Garland. There was something about Garland’s face, whenever she’d give a blank stare to male characters who got in her way. That's a silent wisdom I also see in MATTIE ROSS.
I also love that the scene ends with her getting ready to tell COL.STONEHILL exactly how it's gonna be before the screen cuts to her walking towards her current residence. This symbolizes that MATTIE ROSS is a winner and how that happens is no one's concern but her own. This scene is very early in the film and it's a really great introductory piece. First impressions are everything and MATTIE nailed hers before she even walks out the door.
Borrow, buy, rent, or stream “True Grit” however, whenever, wherever you can.
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