Plot
Mattie travels to this Arkansas town to seek justice for her father’s murder.
What is Fort Smith?
This teenage girl is determined to seek justice for her father's murder.
Who is Mattie Ross?
When asked why she hired Rooster, Mattie replies that she heard he had this quality.
What is true grit?
Dark interior lighting in scenes like the remote cabin helps create this feeling for the audience.
What is suspense or tension?
Like Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz, Mattie’s quest for justice shows this classic story pattern.
What is a hero's journey?
To join Cogburn and La Boeuf, Mattie bravely crosses this obstacle with her horse.
What is the river?
This U.S. Marshal proves he still has courage.
Who is Rooster Cogburn?
"I never shot nobody I didn’t have to."
Who is Rooster Cogburn?
When Mattie first shoots Tom Chaney, a quick close-up of her face serves to highlight these two emotions.
What is fear and determination?
Both The Spiral Staircase and True Grit build tension by using this kind of sudden, threatening encounter in dark or confined spaces.
What is an ambush?
At the remote cabin, Cogburn shoots Quincy after Quincy does this to Moon to keep him quiet.
What is stabs him?
Texas Ranger
Who is La Boeuf?
This person insults Rooster during their journey by saying he is “too old and fat to be of much use.
Who is La Boeuf?
During the cabin ambush, the sudden cut from silence to gunfire creates this dramatic effect on viewers.
What is surprise?
Mattie’s determination to stand up to adults and follow her own path echoes the rebellious spirit of this 1950s film hero.
After Mattie wounds Chaney, she falls into this dangerous place.
What is a snake pit?
This outlaw leads the gang that Chaney joins after fleeing Fort Smith.
Who is Lucky Ned Pepper?
Before the climactic charge, Rooster shouts this unforgettable challenge at Ned Pepper’s gang.
What is “Fill your hand, you son of a gun!”?
As Rooster rides full speed across the open field for the final showdown, the camera’s sweeping wide shot highlights this idea that he has this.
Just as the Kansas farmland in The Wizard of Oz reflects Dorothy’s roots, the rugged frontier of True Grit symbolizes this about Mattie.
What is determination?
Cogburn makes a grueling all-night ride to reach this for Mattie.
What is medical help?
Mattie’s family lawyer, who pays Cogburn and warns that she may not recover.
Who is J. Noble Daggett?
Mattie calmly tells Rooster she wants him buried in this specific location beside her when the time comes.
What is the Ross family plot?
When Mattie tumbles into the snake pit, the camera tilts steeply downward and the soundtrack briefly drops out, creating this intense effect on the audience.
What is shock?
Both True Grit and The Spiral Staircase use strategic moments of silence before danger strikes to achieve this precise cinematic effect.
What is building suspense?