February 25, 2012

Day 16: Best movie adaptation of a book

True Grit (2010)

The Charles Portis novel on which the movie is based is quite strange, but it’s an all time favorite of mine.  Its heroine Mattie has one of the strongest and quirkiest narrative voices of any character I’ve ever read, and I can’t think of any better treatment of the “western” genre.  The historical setting and time period of the novel don’t read like a Hollywood backlot at all.  In that way it’s less fantastical than your typical Hollywood-style western, but all the more affecting for its straight up portrayal of a bygone era. (Think of Pirates of the Caribbean versus Master and Commander.) True Grit the novel gives you historical realism, but the kind that’s engaging and darkly humorous instead of dry.

And the 2010 adaptation from the Coen brothers hit every note exactly right.  It preserved the striking tone of the story, but also enhanced it with amazing cinematography and a great score.  The performances were all top notch as well.

Day 15: Best movie musical: Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Day 14: Best movie sequel: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Day 13: A movie that makes you think: Do The Right Thing (1989) 

Day 12: Best holiday movie: A Christmas Story (1983)

Day 11: Movie with the most beautiful scenery: Bambi (1942), The Lord of the Rings(2001-2003) 

Day 10: A movie you like with an actor/actress you hate: Matchstick Men (2003)

Day 09: A movie that makes you cry: The Land Before Time (1988)

Day 08: A movie you thought you’d hate but ended up loving: She’s the Man (2006)

Day 07: A movie from your childhood: The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986/89)

Day 06: Best love story in film: Jane Eyre (2011)

Day 05: A movie sequel you’d like to see made someday: Peking Opera Blues (1986)

Day 04: A movie you’re embarrassed to admit you like: Underworld (2003)

Day 03: A movie you wish more people had seen: The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)

Day 02: A movie you can recite word for word: Victor Victoria (1982)

Day 01: The first movie you remember seeing: Aladdin (1992)

10:48am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZYjARxG-vp2A
Filed under: movies movie challenge true grit books screencaps coen brothers hailee steinfeld matt damon jeff bridges 
August 29, 2011

Riding and shooting in True Grit (2010).

3:16pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZYjARx8vSx38
(Notes: 21)
  
Filed under: True Grit movies Hailee Steinfeld Jeff Bridges gif my gif Coen brothers 
June 24, 2011
“Take the girl.  I bow out.”

“Take the girl.  I bow out.”

12:40pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZYjARx6PRJL9
(Notes: 5)
  
Filed under: Hailee Steinfeld Jeff Bridges Matt Damon True Grit film quotes movies screencaps movie moments 
June 22, 2011
More True Grit caps.  Can I help it if the movie’s insanely well shot?

More True Grit caps.  Can I help it if the movie’s insanely well shot?

1:50am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZYjARx6KH_LO
(Notes: 10)
  
Filed under: movies True Grit screencaps Hailee Steinfeld Matt Damon Jeff Bridges 
June 21, 2011
“Gentlemen, shooting cornbread out here on the prairie is getting us no closer to the Ned Pepper gang.”  I keep thinking that every scene of this movie is my favorite scene.

“Gentlemen, shooting cornbread out here on the prairie is getting us no closer to the Ned Pepper gang.”  I keep thinking that every scene of this movie is my favorite scene.

10:24pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZYjARx6JyuLY
(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: Hailee Steinfeld Jeff Bridges Matt Damon True Grit film quotes movies screencaps movie moments 
Liked posts on Tumblr: More liked posts »