True Grit

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Recommended: Myth of the western frontier

The American western frontier, still arguably existent today, has presented a standard of living and characteristics which, for a time, where all its own. Several authors of various works regarding these characteristics and the obvious border set up along the western and eastern sections have discussed their opinions of the west. In addition to these literary works by renowned authors, one rather convenient cinematic reference has also been influenced by these well-known, well-discussed practices of this American frontier. “True Grit”, a film recently remade in 2010 by the Cohen Brothers, crosses the boundaries of the west allowing all movie-goers to capture one idea of the western world. The movie, along with a few scholarly sources which will also be discussed offer a more ideal glimpse into the past of the western lands. The true nature of the west, both refuted and supported, is characterized well through the author’s dictation as well as the Hollywood interpretation introducing the land’s distinction between savagery vs. civilization, law vs. chaos, and loyalty vs. independence. When addressing savagery and civilization “True Grit” takes a strong hold on reality versus falsehood in the landscapes of the scenes depicted, the attire, and of course the surrounding citizens. Mattie Ross, coming from a seemingly rural area compared to most of the day, is brought into what seems to be city life according to Western standards. Many ideas are presented early in Mattie’s encounter with this new territory which would hint towards a violent, uncivilized, godless country not like that of her home. However, through later engagements, a different side of the West creeps through when the judicial system is introduced in the film a... ... middle of paper ... ...tie with a big heart and a dominant nature much like all of the other Western frontiersman taking a chance to move into new lands and leave the old world behind. Works Cited DILORENZO, THOMAS J. "The Culture of Violence in the American West: Myth versus Reality." Independent Review 15.2 (2010): 227-239. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 7 Feb. 2011. Conzen, Michael P. "THE NON--PENNSYLVANIA TOWN: DIFFUSION OF URBAN PLAN FORMS IN THE AMERICAN WEST." Geographical Review 96.2 (2006): 183-211. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 7 Feb. 2011. True Grit. Dir. Ethan Coen and Joel Coen. Perf. Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld. Paramount, 2010. Anderson, Eric. “Unsettling Frontiers,.” Cultural Conversations: The Presence of the Past. Eds. Stephen Dilks, Regina Hansen, and Matthew Parfitt. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2001. 529-554.

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