Now that the Dude has been given his shiny prize, here’s another reason to look forward to his next project: He’s reprising the 1969 classic “True Grit,” the western that even non-John Wayne or western film fans fell in love with. One did, anyway.
What perfect casting! What a great location! New Mexico, land of endless sunsets and wealthy celebrity farmers. Even non-fans of “Crazy Heart” have entered the December date into their Google calendars.
That would be me. Just because I thought the movie was meh doesn’t mean I consider Bridges a lesser actor. In fact, I stated previously how much his seamless ability to melt into character has made him one of the (previously) most underappreciated actors of his generation.
When he collected his Oscar, he didn’t pull a Sally Field. He graciously collected his trophy and endeared himself to us even more with his parental shout-out, thanking them for turning him on to such a “…groovy profession.”
Bridges seemed positively giddy the day after the Oscars as he taped the post-Oscars “Oprah Winfrey Show.” He doesn’t plan to go to any more parties, he told the Queen. Unlike his redeemed “Crazy” character, this real-life family man wanted to prepare for the following day’s rehearsal, and he didn’t want to chance a hangover after enjoying Champagne a tad too much the night before, he confessed sheepishly.
His happiness was infectious as he schmoozed with Oprah and fellow Oscar winners, and it was impossible to take your eyes (OK, my eyes) off him as he revealed his love of family and dedication to his craft. When he told the audience he was heading out to Santa Fe for his next project, I quickly trolled the airfares for the best rate. (What? Santa Fe is lovely this time of year.)
Bridges deserved to win, not just because he put in the work on this flick, but he showed up for all his other roles. When asked how he managed to “become” his characters on film, he shrugged and basically spouted a Laurence Olivier. Show up, know your lines and hit your marks. Sure, it’s that simple.
Bridges earned his metal because he’s an actor’s actor. He respects the work and always hits his marks. It’s clear in any movie he’s graced. Even the stinkers. All he needs to do, after he comes down from the high of winning, is to hone that seasoned faux gruffness, check his ego at the door, get on the horse and learn to shoot with one eye patched.
John Wayne would have approved.
