57 Years Later, This Last Line From John Wayne Still Officially Defines The Western Genre

John Wayne he was a cinema giant – a Western icon the likes of which had never been seen before or since. You can’t talk about the genre without mentioning his many classic films such as The Seekers, Rio Bravoor 1969s True Grit. As that film’s Rooster Cogburn, he was far from the square hero of past films, but his rugged identity made it one of his favorite performances. He also gave us perhaps his best closing line – not because of how profound it was, but because it seemed to sum up the stark, eternal image in one thought that didn’t last.

‘True Grit’ ends with a memorable joke

True Grit ends happily, by Mattie (Kim Darby), the young girl hired by Rooster Cogburn (Wayne) to hunt down her father’s killer, is alive and well on her family’s ranch. Cogburn has fulfilled his duty, and the two part ways, both struggling to express their mutual respect (except Mattie offers Rooster a place on his family’s burial plot for when his time comes). As Cogburn rides away, she jokes that he is “too old and too fat to jump horses.” “Well,” replied Cogburn, “come see a fat old man sometime!” before riding his horse, he jumps a fence to pull Mattie back.

It is a happy moment, one that differs from both the original ending of the original novel with Charles Portisas well as the 2010 amendment by The Coen Brothers. However, this optimistic separation is symbolic of what John Wayne means to his audience, and the Western genre in general. It is not in what was said, but in the meaning behind it, that gives power to the moment.

The best line of ‘True Grit’ works because it captures the character

“Come see a fat old man sometime.” the perfect ride for Rooster Cogburna character who became a Western hero because he transcended so many of his tropes. He disrespects the figure of the cowboys – he is fat, drunk, and again he breaks US Marshal protocol. Sporting an eye patch and using racism more than once, he goes against the very image he created – stoic, wise, and plays with the rules to bring people to justice. However, it is because of these flaws that he becomes so lovable, and that can be seen in his final separation with Mattie.

Describing himself as a “fat old man”, and jumping a fence to make a point, he is a world away from the expectation of a Western hero, riding his horse, or riding quietly into the sunset. It’s also a happy ending, because there’s a sense that we’ll see him again, or if we don’t, he’ll be out there somewhere, getting into trouble.

John Wayne’s Flippant Farewell defines the mood of the West

John Wayne was not an actor known for long, emotional speeches. His characters were blunt, direct, and preferred actions to words. Although Rooster Cogburn was a character that withdrew from the Western tradition in many ways, his farewell is in line with the heroes of the genre. These were men who didn’t have the words or the temperament to express how they felt, so they either said nothing or said a line full of subtext.

Think of Wayne’s classic 1956 finale The Seekers. His character, Ethan Edwards, rescues his niece and returns her home to her family. While the others cheer, the hero of the hour chooses to look on quietly, before walking away without a word without much fanfare. Wayne’s last film, 1976 The Shooterends up being killed because his character, a dying outlaw, goes out in a gunfight rather than succumb to his illness. However, even when he left the big screen there is no need for big speeches or poignant comments. Instead, he smiles and nods at Gillom (Ron Howard), a young man who idolizes him but chooses not to follow in his footsteps. True Gritdefine the Western genre, as well as its biggest star. These are characters with whom it would be better to leave certain things unsaid, allowing the meaning to exist in their behavior and actions. Rooster Cogburn leaves the screen with fun and success, explaining that in his own way he will always be there for mattieand for people who loved the movie. Mattie and those watching will know exactly what it means.