Viewed in
2010
Formats
Movie theater (digital)
Premise
The Coen brothers remake the 1969 John Wayne film with Jeff Bridges as Rooster.
Loved
Jeff Bridges' performance.
Liked
The writing and pacing.
Thoughts
I liked it, but did not love it.
Jeff Bridges put on a very entertaining show as the grumpy alcoholic marshal. Sorry John Wayne fans, but I very much preferred Bridges' more creative performance. The rest of the cast acted very well and I enjoyed the chemistry between the three heroes, as they rubbed each other the wrong way at every turn even more than the original. I wonder if Harry Potter fans will recognize Bill Weasley in a small role.
The Coen brothers left the original plot intact, with just a few trims and twists to get the story going and and accentuate the relationship between Rooster and Mattie. Roger Deakins' cinematography was excellent as usual. This time both Deakins and the directors toned down their usual stylish visuals, dialog with flair, and quirky dark comedy, letting the story and the performances take charge. Having said that, there was a hilarious subplot involving the trading of a dead body.
Compared to the 1969 version, I liked this one better. Obviously, part of it had to do with a more modern sensibility in pacing, situations, and acting. I was shocked that "Little Blackie" remained in the remake, but I assume that it came from the book. The biggest reason for my preference of the newer one was Bridges' delightful portrayal of a cantankerous, grouchy, flawed, and shady character that The Duke never pulled off. The dialogue was slightly better, as it revealed more character and furthered the themes of revenge.
To be honest, I have no idea why I did not love this film. Maybe my expectations were too high from a Coen brothers film. Part of me applauded the film makers for reining in their style for the story. But the other part of me was disappointed for that same reason. I WANTED to see a Coen brothers take on the story.
The original version was a good western, this was a very good one. Jeff Bridges' enjoyable performance definitely brought something new to the table to warrant a remake, I just wished that the Coens brought themselves to this metaphorical table as well.
What I would change
Go Coen brothers on it.
