Matt Damon's Ingenious Performance Trick for 'True Grit'
In the realm of cinema, sometimes it's the subtle details that make a performance truly memorable. Take, for instance, Matt Damon's portrayal of La Boeuf in the 2010 adaptation of Charles Portis' novel, 'True Grit'. Directed by the Coen Brothers, this film is a testament to the art of remaking classics, as it surpasses the original in many aspects (https://www.slashfilm.com/603227/remakes-that-are-better-than-the-original/). Damon's character, La Boeuf, endures a harrowing injury, losing a significant portion of his tongue, which dramatically affects his speech.
In an interview, Damon revealed a clever technique he employed to mimic this injury. He recalled, 'On the technical side, it was like trying to figure out the tongue thing when he gets his tongue injured... I picked up a hair tie one day while in a makeup trailer for another film and started twisting it around my tongue, trying to speak normally. That's how we came up with that unique effect.'
But Damon's dedication to the role went beyond technical tricks. He and Jeff Bridges took on the role of guardians for their co-star, Hailee Steinfeld, in her debut film. Despite 'True Grit' being Steinfeld's first major appearance on the big screen, it has since become one of the greatest Westerns ever made (https://www.slashfilm.com/587717/the-best-westerns-of-all-time/).
Damon praised Steinfeld's performance, noting her natural sweetness and talent. He said, 'Hailee was around 13 years old, and she was incredibly sweet. Jeff and I took on the role of parents, ensuring everyone on set made her feel comfortable and enjoyed the experience. Even after her Oscar nomination, we were still in awe of her talent.'
Steinfeld herself views 'True Grit' as a benchmark, an experience she continually refers back to in her career. In a 2020 interview with Collider (https://collider.com/hailee-steinfeld-interview-true-grit/), she emphasized the impact of the film, stating, 'I constantly refer back to that experience and try to draw on the lessons I learned and held onto because it was great.'
Damon's dedication to his craft and his mentorship of Steinfeld showcase the behind-the-scenes magic that contributes to a film's success. 'True Grit' is a testament to the power of collaboration and the art of storytelling, where even the smallest details can make a significant impact.
