Gaining Respect

Mattie crossing the river. (Courtesy of http://www.soulfilledlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Picture-17.png)

                The scene that I chose to evaluate in the movie True Grit begins at 34:40. In this scene, the main character Mattie Ross decides to cross the river, to meet back up with Rooster Cogburn and LaBoeuf. This is an important scene in the movie because for the first time, Cogburn realizes how important this mission is to Mattie. She is initially turned away from crossing the river by a man who helps people cross the river. As he attempts to take her back into town, Mattie throws an apple at him and races to the river front where her horse Little Blackie and Mattie attempt to cross. While she is crossing, the film goes to close up shots of Cogburn while he watches her cross and lights up a cigarette.  Finally when Mattie reaches the bank, Cogburn looks at her in amazement and says “That is some Horse,” and offers her ten dollars for it. Mattie quickly refuses and tells the Marshall that she will turn him into the authorities if she cannot go along. LaBoeuf gets off of his horse, and proceeds to rip Mattie off of her horse and beat her over her bottom. Mattie asks if the Marshal will allow this to happen any longer and he replies “I don’t believe I will.” After LaBoeuf continues to beat Mattie, Cogburn draws his gun and the scene ends. This is an important scene because for the first time Cogburn treats Mattie like an equal. Cogburn sees the fight in her and respects her for it. This scene begins the friendship between Mattie and Cogburn that develops throughout the remainder of the film.