Pages2Screen: True Grit

Today, in my occasional series Pages2Screen, I try to answer the question of which is better, True Grit or the movies this classic western spawned.

Pages2Screen: True Grit

True Grit Overview

I picked up True Grit by Charles Portis after listening to an interview with horror author Joe Hill. He recommended the novel for its powerful voice. Having enjoyed NOS4A2 by Joe and the movie versions of True Grit, I figured I'd give the book a go.

If you've watched the Hailee Steinfeld film adaptation of the novel, you're familiar with the story. It's a story of revenge for a young girl and redemption for a one-time outlaw,turned lawman. It's funny and tragic, and full of action. It's one hell of a story and a heck of a good read. But…is it better than the excellent movie versions?

True Grit on the Page or Screen

I fondly remember watching the John Wayne film based on True Grit as a lad. I can't say that I want to rewatch it as an adult. I don't know that I'd find The Duke as dashing a hero as I did as a boy. The Hailee Steinfeld film adaptation of the novel blew my mind. In my honest opinion, which has only been reinforced by reading the book, Steinfeld should have won an Oscar for her performance. What a joke to deny her the award due to her tender age! I have to admit, I really enjoyed the film version starring her, which closely follows the book as best as I can tell. But if I had to choose just one between the movies and novel… well, as much as I enjoyed the film versions, there's no contest. Portis is a masterful author at the height of his powers with True Grit. Do yourself a favor, read this book…really, read this book right now.