True Grit is a 2010 American Western film written and directed by the Coen brothers. It is the second adaptation of Charles Portis' 1968novel of the same name, which was previously filmed in 1969 starring John Wayne. This version stars Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross and Jeff Bridges as U.S. Marshal Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn along with Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Barry Pepper.
In scene 1 we're introduced to our protagonist Mattie Ross, who sets the foundation for our story through the giving of her perspective on past events and some insight into her very character through a statement of faith of sorts. She drives the film through the strength of her very person and a faith steeled in God. She emerges as the real possessor of 'true grit' as we follow her on her unyielding pursuit of justice in a very harsh and unjust world.
Proverbs 28:1
As scene 6 comes to a close we find Mattie the only one willing to press on after Chaney as Cogburn and LaBoeuf both have lost heart in the pursuit. The motivation of money has quickly been lost on both men, while Mattie's Presbyterian-Protestant ethic doesn't allow for the notion of quitting. The grit of faith maintains and sustains her, when no one else seems willing to follow.
Ecclesiastes 12
1 Remember your Creator
in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come
and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them”—
2 before the sun and the light
and the moon and the stars grow dark,
and the clouds return after the rain;
3 when the keepers of the house tremble,
and the strong men stoop,
when the grinders cease because they are few,
and those looking through the windows grow dim;
4 when the doors to the street are closed
and the sound of grinding fades;
when people rise up at the sound of birds,
but all their songs grow faint;
in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come
and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them”—
2 before the sun and the light
and the moon and the stars grow dark,
and the clouds return after the rain;
3 when the keepers of the house tremble,
and the strong men stoop,
when the grinders cease because they are few,
and those looking through the windows grow dim;
4 when the doors to the street are closed
and the sound of grinding fades;
when people rise up at the sound of birds,
but all their songs grow faint;
In scene 9 we find that 25 years have passed and Mattie closes the matter of our story by saying that 'time just gets away from us'. We also find the full measure that her pursuit of justice has cost our cast of characters. This should point us back to the start where she also states that nothing in this world is free except the grace of God. Our ability to know the beginning from the end in this instance should help illustrate the need for introspection and the taking of measure in our own pursuits.
Psalm 119:33-40
33-40 God, teach me lessons for livingso I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!
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