Story notes the politics of ‘True Grit’
by December 27, 2010 10:52 am 230 views
Suzi Parker with Politics Daily has a fun read on the history of the book and movies, True Grit as she explores the political dynamics of the original movie released in 1969 and the remake of this year.
Three all-star actors in the remake of True Grit — Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin — support Democratic causes and candidates, including President Barack Obama. Of course, John Wayne from the original movie was noted for his conservative politics, as Parker points out.
Parker writes:
A conspiracy also brews around Cogburn’s eye patch.
Wayne wore a patch over his left eye, which allowed him to view the world through his right one. That made sense, according to "American Thinker," because of Wayne’s politics. Bridges, however, wears his patch over his right eye, allegedly allowing him to see the world … well, differently.
Bridges is aware of the patch brouhaha. When a Quincy, Mass., newspaper asked him about it, the Oscar-winning actor joked, "I’m a commie." But then he simply explained, "I tried it on the right eye, and it felt good. But on the left eye, not so good."
Wayne, of course, stirred the political waters back in his day. He was a conservative Republican who helped to create the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, and was elected its president in 1947. He was also avidly anti-communist and supported the House Un-American Activities Committee. His movies often reflected his beliefs, including 1952’s "Big Jim McLain," about two investigators hunting down communists, and "The Green Berets," a 1968 film in support of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, released when public outcry over the war was rising.
In 1968, Republicans lobbied for Wayne to run for national office, but he said no, thanks. He did support Ronald Reagan in his California gubernatorial runs in 1966 and 1970.
This article is for entertainment purposes mostly. Arkansas stands to benefit from the movie’s fans and potential tourism.
Link here for Parker’s complete report at Politics Daily.