Now we know why we can’t get enough of Matt Damon in the True Grit trailer — he’s impersonating Tommy Lee Jones. Damon tells Empire that he drew inspiration from his costar in 1995′s The Good Old Boys to play Texas Ranger La Beouf in the new Coen brothers movie. “We had all worked with Tommy Lee Jones, who is from near where my character is from, in Texas. And Tommy is a really smart guy — I could just sit and listen to him talk. So I played my character like Tommy Lee Jones. He likes to hold court like Tommy Lee, but La Beouf is a windbag — a total jackass…”
Watch the trailer again below, and you’ll see it. Or rather, hear it in Damon’s delivery of the lines, “Congratulations, you’ve graduated from marauder to wet nurse” and “I thought you were gonna say the sun was in your eyes. That is to say … your eye.” Even when Damon’s sitting silently on the porch lighting up (pictured), he exudes Jones’ signature charisma: He appears laidback, but there’s an intensity under the surface; he doesn’t seem like the kind of man who’ll show you his cards, and yet, you’re drawn to him and rewarded with a story.
More:
New True Grit trailer: Twice the running time, twice the laughs
Introducing Hailee Steinfeld, the girl who stole the Coen brother’s hearts
Matt Damon on the Bourne brouhaha and his plans to work with Michael Douglas
Matt Damon to be campaigned for Best Actor in Hereafter
This just looks better and better every time I see it!! As much as I loved John Wayne in this role, I think Jeff Bridges will make the character of Rooster Cogburn his own. Can’t wait to see this movie!!
Sorry but John Wayne blows. He always was one-note. I tried, but simply could not see his talent; in The Quiet Man, The Alamo, True Grit…. He will come to be seen the way Brad Pitt will eventually be seen…as a charasmatic hack.
Charismatic, whoops. I am a hack
This movie looks so friggin sick. The johnny cash song really makes the trailer. im totes gonna see this opening night. I LOVE Matt Damon too. No homo. Holla at yo gooche.
yeah I totally see Tommy Lee Jones. Though no one does Tommy Lee Jones better than Tommy Lee Jones. He’s got that dead on delivery. Matt Damon is a likable guy but I’m almost always aware that he’s acting when I see him in a movie. Jeff Bridges and the girl look great in the trailer.
He sounds more like Ron White. Call him Tater Salad!
You can’t fix stupid…Stupid is for-EVAH!!
I’ll take a double order of Matt Damon with a west Texas accent here, please!
i think damon was dissing shia la beouf
what’s the song that’s playing in this trailer? Anyone know?
In the second half of the trailer it is God’s Gonna Cut You Down by Johnny Cash… Not sure about the first half
thanks! I think that’s the one I noticed.
Ha! That’s awesome. I love Tommy Lee Jones and Matt Damon. And I obviously love Jeff Bridges. And the Cohens. And Josh Brolin! So frickin excited!!!!
Forget Damon impersonating Jones, it will be amazing to see the Dude playing the Duke. Looks like he does it pretty darn well.
Love that he got inspiration from Tommy Lee Jones – my favorite actor
This looks fantastic!!! The girl looks like she might be one of the best kid actors to come along in a while. I just watched Crazy Heart and Green Zone last night so I’m looking forward to Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon.
Damon seems to be pretty good at mimicking people. Anyone remember his Matthew McConaughey? It was fantastic.
I was very skeptical and a little p o’d about someone remaking this movie. My Grandfather, a WWII vet and endless source of questionable wisdom, yet my hero without a question, was a John Wayne fanatic. I’d watched the Ford movies and appreciated them but Rooster Cogburne was the first where our generations met and I truly realized how movies good bridge any gap. Knowing that the Coen Bros. are at the helm is a comfort. He would’ve liked No Country, Fargo and especially Oh Brother Where Art Though, and possibly even The Big Lebowski (My personal favorite…Can’t wait to see this, it will be an epic failure or the movie of the year. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I guess with my rants I yet again have killed another stream of BS rants with my bs RANT. It was at least true and heartfelt…watch Rear View Window again and talk to me.
i agree with Jerv-could never see anything great about John Wayne. Now Matt Damon, he is a different thing entirely. I love him!!!and will enjoy seeing anything he is in.