True Grit has many classic western elements that are also exemplified in the movie Stagecoach which is considered by many to be a classic western. Both the main male characters in the movies have strong personalities and also give viewers the illusion that they are invincible. They are also classic in how they show no regret for killing people. In both there is also a scare or fear of Indians which don't play major character roles in the movie and making them seem savage unlike real life. The setting and weather in both movies is also very similar in that it never really rains in either movie and it is almost always sunny when its shot in the day time. Its also apparent that many of the shots in each movie show the huge wilderness in the background.
True Grit and Unforgiven
Both of these movies are revisionist in that they have strong women characters in them not just the women who need protection from trouble, but who are able to fend for themselves. They are also both revisionist in that one of the heroes in each is sort of flawed in some way, the Schofield Kid in Unforgiven and "LaBeef" in True Grit. The music of each also is revisionist in that they have sort of a sad ring to it not always upbeat and happy as in Stagecoach. The way each of the main characters is portrayed in their shots with the darker lighting when they are introduced giving them a mysterious figure.
Overall
I would have to say that True Grit is more of a revisionist western, mostly because of the difference in plot points. Some of these include the portrayal of a strong woman character who is able to hold her own throughout the movie as well as a hero with a few flaws that can be seen. Cogburn is old and out of shape while LaBeef is clumsy and not always ready for battle.
It can also be considered revisionist in the different camera angles and some of the indoor lighting. In both True Grit and Unforgiven there is light shining through the windows making the rest of the inside look dark although this happens mostly in the beginning of the movie in True Grit. Also some of the music doesn't sound the same as some of the classic western pieces.
