The Differences Between the 1969 Classic ‘True Grit’ and the 2010 Coen Brothers Remake

‘True Grit’ is a tale that has been told in multiple mediums over the years, giving fans different perspectives on this classic American story. One of the most significant examples of this is the 1969 film adaptation and the 2010 Coen Brothers remake. In this article, we explore the key differences between the timeless original and the modern take.

Notable Omissions from the 2010 Remake

The Coen Brothers, known for their unique and often meticulous approach to film, chose to adapt a favorite story with an eye toward their own artistic vision. As a result, several scenes from the original novel and the 1969 film were not included in their 2010 version.

Novel and 1969 Film Scenes Omitted: Numerous scenes that were present in both the novel and the 1969 film were absent from the 2010 remake. This suggests a focus on a more streamlined narrative, perhaps to fit within the modern 105-minute running time.

Endings That Differ

The 1969 film and the 2010 remake also diverge in a significant way at the end of their respective narratives. While the 1969 film concludes with a dark and unambiguous ending, the Coen Brothers offer a more ambiguous and open-ended conclusion in their remake.

1969 Film Ending: In the original 1969 film, the character played by Jeff Bridges (LaBeouf in the remake) dies offscreen after a confrontation with Ned Pepper. This death and its impact on the story are a critical part of the 1969 narrative structure.

2010 Film Ending: In contrast, the 2010 Coen Brothers remake does not include this scene. The ending is far more complex and leaves much open to interpretation, giving viewers a different emotional journey and narrative challenge.

Motivations and Character Developments

The motivations behind the characters’ actions are also quite different in the 1969 film compared to the 2010 remake. In the 1969 adaptation, the character’s motivations were rooted in a more straightforward sense of justice and a desire to protect the interests of young Mattie Ross.

1969 Film Motivations: The 1969 film presents a clear and uncomplicated motivation, with Jeff Bridges’ character, LaBeouf, driven by duty and a desire to fulfill Mattie Ross’s request. This straightforward approach is a significant contrast to the more nuanced, morally ambiguous motivations in the Coen Brothers’ version.

2010 Coen Brothers Remake Motivations: In the Coen Brothers’ adaptation, the character has more complex motivations. There is a sense of personal and professional honor that influences his actions, but these motivations are often ambiguous and layered, making the character more three-dimensional and less straightforward.

New Characters in the 2010 Remake

The 2010 Coen Brothers remake also adds multiple new characters to the story. These additions serve to enhance the complexity of the narrative and the characters themselves. However, the inclusion of these characters also distances the 2010 film from the original story, altering the narrative and thematic focus of the tale.

Several new characters are introduced in the Coen Brothers’ version that did not exist in the original novel or the 1969 film. These additions, whether it be secondary characters or supporting figures, alter the dynamics of the story and add new layers to the narrative.

Aesthetic Differences

Another notable difference between the 1969 film and the 2010 Coen Brothers remake is in the visual and aesthetic choices made by the filmmakers.

1969 Film Aesthetics: In the 1969 film, cinematographer Roger Deakins remarks that several scenes were shot at night, but in those same night scenes, the conversation was about how the 1969 version was filmed during the day. This indicates a desire for a more naturalistic and realistic visual presentation. Furthermore, the colors of the costumes were noted to be more garish in the 1969 film, a choice that created a different mood and atmosphere.

2010 Coen Brothers Remake Aesthetics: The Coen Brothers, in their remake, chose a more stylized and atmospheric approach. The visual elements are used to create a more modern and emotionally charged experience. The color palette and film grain are more carefully crafted, contributing to the film's overall aesthetic and thematic tone.

Conclusion

The 1969 film ‘True Grit’ and the 2010 Coen Brothers remake present a fascinating case study in the evolution of a classic story. While both stay true to the spirit of the original, each adaptation offers a different perspective and interpretation. These differences in narrative, character development, visual aesthetics, and thematic focus make each version a unique and compelling viewing experience.

Whether you prefer the straightforward justice of the 1969 version or the complex, morally ambiguous journey of the Coen Brothers’ remake, these films offer rich storytelling and plenty of room for interpretation. In this way, they continue to captivate audiences and remind us of the enduring power of the tale of ‘True Grit’.