A comparison of the ways in which narrative is used to create dramatic conflict in the original, and remake of True Grit.
In this essay I will discuss the ways that narrative is used to create conflict and dramatic tensions and the differences of how this is used in the original 1969 True Grit film in comparison to the 2010 remake by the Cohen brothers.
The first main example is shown at the beginning of the original 1969 film, in which we see Mattie Ross’ father, Frank Ross, being killed by Tom Chaney. This is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the film due to the fact the film is about Mattie’s quest to capture Tom Chaney and bring him to justice. The importance of this scene is clear due to the fact it is used as the opening sequence displaying the violence of the conflict resulting in Mattie’s father’s murder. In comparison to the 2010 version of the film in which this scene is cut entirely and replaced by a dramatic monologue from Mattie, describing the events under which her father was killed.
The next apparent scene of conflict is displayed in both films, when Mattie is attempting to barter for the money for her father’s horses and saddle. Although this is not a scene of violent conflict, there is still conflict between Mattie and Colonel Stonehill, who believes that the girl is making outrageous demands. Despite the fact this scene is scripted very similarly in both films, The character of Mattie herself is displayed differently. In the original Kim Darby’s take on the character of Mattie appears asthough she is simply a yound girl striving to be mature enough to avenger her fathers death. She is both excitable and angry and this leads to a very fiery personality, despite this she is still able to plan ahead well enough to allow herself to present the papers, already drawn up by her lawyer, as soon as Stonehill agrees to her terms. This character of Mattie varies with Hailee Steinfield’s adaptation of the character in the 2010 remake. Steinfield’s take on Mattie seems to portray a far more mature and grown up character who has fully come to terms with the death of
The first main example is shown at the beginning of the original 1969 film, in which we see Mattie Ross’ father, Frank Ross, being killed by Tom Chaney. This is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the film due to the fact the film is about Mattie’s quest to capture Tom Chaney and bring him to justice. The importance of this scene is clear due to the fact it is used as the opening sequence displaying the violence of the conflict resulting in Mattie’s father’s murder. In comparison to the 2010 version of the film in which this scene is cut entirely and replaced by a dramatic monologue from Mattie, describing the events under which her father was killed.
The next apparent scene of conflict is displayed in both films, when Mattie is attempting to barter for the money for her father’s horses and saddle. Although this is not a scene of violent conflict, there is still conflict between Mattie and Colonel Stonehill, who believes that the girl is making outrageous demands. Despite the fact this scene is scripted very similarly in both films, The character of Mattie herself is displayed differently. In the original Kim Darby’s take on the character of Mattie appears asthough she is simply a yound girl striving to be mature enough to avenger her fathers death. She is both excitable and angry and this leads to a very fiery personality, despite this she is still able to plan ahead well enough to allow herself to present the papers, already drawn up by her lawyer, as soon as Stonehill agrees to her terms. This character of Mattie varies with Hailee Steinfield’s adaptation of the character in the 2010 remake. Steinfield’s take on Mattie seems to portray a far more mature and grown up character who has fully come to terms with the death of