Joel and Ethan Coen have attributed the success of their latest film, True Grit , to the accident of fortuitous timing. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Ethan Coen remarked, "We were kinda lucky in the release date. Some of the would-be competitors, heavyweights, tanked [ The Tourist, How Do You Know ]. You're lucky in the wind you get at your back, a few weekends where the competition is not too strong." Brother Joel Coen indicated that they were floored by the huge success of True Grit -- it was the highest-grossing film over the weekend and crossed the $100-million mark. "You're in a business where people are constantly being surprised," he said. "Movies with big stars and real straightahead genre movies fail, and other things where people go out on a limb do great." Hardly anyone had predicted a big turnout at the box office for a remake of a film that had won an Oscar for John Wayne. But word-of-mouth has boosted business for the film -- and positive reviews have brought out older ticket buyers. Said Ethan Coen "Usually we think the critics are full of s***, but this year, they're full of discernment."

10/01/2011