The Art of Perfection in "True Grit"
In the world of filmmaking, achieving perfection often comes down to small but impactful details. This was especially true for Matt Damon during his role as La Boeuf in the 2010 adaptation of Charles Portis' 1968 novel, "True Grit." Directed by the Coen Brothers, the film is widely regarded as one of the few remakes that surpasses its original. It features a stellar cast including Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn and Hailee Steinfeld in her debut role as Mattie Ross, a young woman determined to avenge her father's murder.
One of the most challenging aspects of Damon's performance was portraying La Boeuf, who suffers a severe injury after being dragged by a horse, nearly severing a large part of his tongue. This injury drastically affects his speech, and Damon had to find a way to make this visible and believable on screen. In an interview, he shared how he discovered a clever trick to achieve this effect. “On the technical side, it was like trying to figure out the tongue thing when he gets his tongue injured,” Damon recalled. “And that we figured out I was sitting in a makeup trailer one day on another movie, and picked up a hair tie and just ... started twisting it around my tongue, and just tried to speak normally, and that was how we kind of came up with that little gag.”
This simple yet effective method helped bring authenticity to the character’s injury, showcasing the importance of creativity in acting. Beyond this challenge, Damon also took on the responsibility of being a supportive presence for his co-star, Hailee Steinfeld, who was making her big-screen debut.
Supporting a Young Star
Steinfeld's performance in "True Grit" was nothing short of remarkable. Even before she earned an Oscar nomination, both Damon and Bridges were deeply impressed by her talent. “You know and Hailee was like 13 and she was so sweet,” Damon said. “That was another situation where Jeff and I kind of as parents were like, very, everyone was to be fair, everyone there wanted to make sure she had a good time, and I think she really did.”
Damon praised Steinfeld’s performance, calling her “another one of those obscenely gifted ... child actors.” Despite appearing in other films such as “Sinners,” “The Edge of Seventeen,” and “Begin Again,” “True Grit” remains the standout in her career. The experience left a lasting impression on Steinfeld, who, in a 2020 interview with Collider, reflected on how it served as a benchmark for her growth as an actor. “I do feel like I constantly refer back to that experience and try and pull on whatever it was that I learned and held onto because it was great.”
A Legacy That Endures
“True Grit” continues to be celebrated not only for its storytelling but also for its performances. The film is considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made, and its impact on the careers of its actors cannot be overstated. For Damon, the experience was both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful, particularly in his role as a mentor to a young star.
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