True Grit

There are many stereotypes when it comes to Western films. When one thinks about a western story, one usually associates it with cowboys, one on one gunfights, outlaws, Native Americans, robbers, lawmen, and lots of harsh wildlife. The protagonists are usually male and they are usually a cowboy, gunman or a bounty hunter. The women are usually pretty and there for a little romance but not needed to tell the story successfully for it is meant to be action packed. Women are usually minor to men and are usually one of the four roles: mother, teach, prostitute, or sometimes an outlaw. In True Grit, not all of these stereotypes are represented.

For one, the main protagonist is a female – a young female no less with a lot of spunk and determination. She wants revenge despite the risks. In the book, it is all told from her point of view but in the movie, her character is a little overshadowed by Rooster. Even LeBeouf does not seem that strong of a character in the movie in comparison to Rooster. This follows the western film stereotype even though the book deviates from it. On top of that, the story in general does not include a lot of Native Americans. They are mentioned briefly during the hanging of one but they are not the main focus and there is not any real interaction between the protagonist and a native.

I think this story really does give an interesting twist to westerns and Mattie is a very strong character in the story. When she is hurt at the end, one cannot help but feel saddened by the fact that she must be amputated. We are conditioned to hope for a happy ending in movies and books. This was a happy ending in terms of a mission being completed but not in terms of all the blood that was shed and who had to suffer after. It is a very realistic ending and it is good to see a story pushing the boundaries of its genre.