The Real Fort Smith: The Fact & Fiction Behind True Grit

Posted by on Nov 17, 2010 in True Grit | 3 comments

By Jennifer Boulden

There are a few things I’m passionate about. Somewhere near the top of that list are great films, great books and my job. This year has been one of off-the-charts anticipation for me because of a singular occurrence this December. The Coen Brothers’ adaptation of True Grit combines all three of these passions into one event seemingly designed for my maximum tizzification. I’m serious. I don’t know if there’s a single person in the country more excited about this film than I am.

Here’s the thing: not only does this new True Grit look to be a great film, perhaps even a Great Film; not only is it being directed by my favorite directing team, the Coen Brothers and shot by my favorite cinematographer, Roger Deakins; not only is it an adaptation of one of my favorite books ever by Arkansan literary genius Charles Portis, and starring some of my favorite actors working today; no, it’s also set in and during the most fascinating time in my city’s history—and communicating that city’s unique history to tourists is what I happily get paid to do for 40 hours a week from my office in a restored Old West bordello.

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