The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

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George L Mar 23, 2019 A suspenseful Western character study. Andrew Dominik wrote and directed the outstanding Western period drama The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) with a revealing script of subtle dialogue in clever exchanges and beautiful direction that adds to the mysterious persona of American outlaw Jesse James. This film is so beautiful and mesmerizing that it should have won Best Picture at The Oscars. Ridley Scott and Brad Pitt produced this movie with what must have been great faith in Domink's direction and vision. Jesse James is brought to life with a wild and gripping portrayal by Brad Pitt. His nuanced approach to the infamous outlaw is admirable. Pitt makes Jesse James frightening, yet likable. He is a clever man clearly able to ascertain the traitors around him, but he also appears to have been conflicted about his feelings towards others. Hugh Ross' narration tells the tale of the last days of Jesse James' miserable paranoid life with a gruff tremble and steadfast resolve. Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' score for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a beautiful testament to quiet music. Nick Cave's gentle score is not only captivating in its sweet melodies and passive sensitivity, but Cave captures the heart of the film's quiet judgement. The unnerving notes give way to the film's suspenseful scenes within anything can happen to anyone at any moment. The film's title even suggests a judgement on Robert Ford. This movie is going for a specific tone and portrayal. We see the gang, Jesse James, their families, and how Robert Ford undoes all of them. Speaking of Robert Ford, Casey Affleck gives one of his finest performances as the notorious murderer. His cowardly and manipulative ways got him into Jesse James' gang, but his creepy fanboy figure and touchy personality depict an altogether condemnation of Ford's person. Through Roger Deakins' gorgeous cinematography of revealing close-up shots and mysterious wide shots, we see a character study of the quiet observer in Ford's character as well as the questioning mastermind of James. Affleck perfectly shows how a man can obsess over another man as his hero and commit atrocity after that hero does not live up to his imagined expectations. Ford clearly was afraid for his life at the hands of Jesse James, but his own cowardice and desire for fame, appreciation, respect, and wealth outdid any reverence for Jesse James the man. Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner, Mary-Louise Parker, and Zooey Deschanel are all excellent in their supporting roles that display interesting characters surrounding James and Ford. They all work wonders next to Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck. This is a cool and beautiful film that perseveres as some of Pitt and Affleck's best work. See more

Rey R Nov 22, 2018 Though it could be tightened up, Andrew Dominik successfully crafts an intimate story on an epic scale that teaches empathy in an immoral world. See more

Finn S Nov 6, 2018 This film was great!

Harry S Aug 12, 2018 Keep in mind that this isn't your typical western shoot-em-up, it's a much more slowly paced film, and due to the narration, it feels a bit like a documentary about one of America's most notorious outlaws. But it's an intriguing movie, with golden performances from the cast, especially Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck and Sam Rockwell, and focuses more on the relationship between the characters and the true events, rather than classic western action, and the cinematography is innovative, makes the movie look older. Overall, it's an interesting story for sure, and a good modern western, if you can sit through over 2h30 of slow pace. Recommended !! See more

Leia S Jul 3, 2018 This movie has been called a masterpiece over and over. It's well-made but it meanders. It's long and many of the scenes don't seem to add up to much. Or be connected in some meaningful way. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck are good of course. But the narrative gets Sidelines too many times to be compelling. See more

Hagrid M May 21, 2018 This movie, with a small box office that it had, did a really good job in presenting an emotional western story. The best thing about this movie is Casey Affleck's performance as Robert Ford and the amazing cinematography by Roger Deakins. The problem about this movie is it's runtime. It could've been a better film if it was at least somewhat shorter. Other than that it's a pretty wholesome experience. See more

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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

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