The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

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Customer Reviews:

Jesse James revisited [Posted on 2008-08-07]
Brad Pitt does a great job in this somewhat different look at Jesse James. He comes across as a bit of a psychopath, even scarier for being charming too. Casey Affleck is a revelation. All in all, worthwhile for fans of Westerns, historical films, and psychological studies.

Low-Key Movie Driven By Evolution Of Character [Posted on 2008-08-07]
Quiet, subtle, and nuanced, this movie is a work of art for those interested in cinematography, story, and acting. Anyone hoping for a "popcorn" movie will be sorely bored and disappointed.

The title says it all, for it focuses more on the motivations of Casey Affleck as Robert Ford than it does on the exploits of Brad Pitt as Jesse James. In fact, the film is a classic character study, moving us from Robert Ford's infatuation with James to his utter resentment of the man, despite their becoming partners (of sorts).

Clocking in at two and a half hours, the story takes its time peeling away layer after layer of Ford's insecurities and James' paranoia as it offers beautiful shots, lovely scenery, and props and costumes that are seemingly spot-on.

The acting is magnificent, by the way. Don't look for any robust chest-thumping-this is the stuff of delicacy. Affleck's character is a coward, as the title reminds, and Affleck does a wonderful job through body language, facial expression, and voice inflection of seriously creeping the audience out. He makes his character so uncomfortable to watch, so truly awkward, that he really won me over as a skilled actor.

In fact, James' gang was terrified of him, and each actor in the gang seemed genuinely fearful. Affleck was by far the best, but they all squirmed in such understated mannerisms around Pitt that I found myself on edge. Perhaps Pitt was given the least amount to work with because James is something of a legend, but his acting really paled in comparison to Affleck. I have to give Pitt credit, though, because while he may not be the strongest actor, he certainly chooses to take part in excellent movies.

The title tells exactly what happens near the end of the movie, but they (including Pitt) offer a very interesting interpretation as to why James put himself in the position he did. Pitt's dialogue, if you read between the lines ... Well, I don't want to spoil anything for you. Let's just say there is ample material for a character study of James' psychology.

If you're looking for a Wild West shoot-out with daring robberies and nefarious misadventure, look elsewhere. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a low-key movie driven by the evolution (or perhaps devolution) of character. It is fascinating, but it is meant for those with patience and an appreciation of story and art.

~Scott William Foley, author of The Imagination's Provocation: Volume I: A Collection of Short Stories

Non-judgemental [Posted on 2008-08-14]
An objective account. There are no heroes. All the characters are villainous. They appear to be in the grip of circumstances beyond their control, however.

a lengthy reminder that brad pitt can truly act [Posted on 2008-08-15]
i watched this film over two evenings . initially , i felt this beautifully shot and universally well acted film (with an excellent narrative) was glorifying a group of men who were substantial turds . i had reservations about the need for the long running time and seemingly glacial pace the film was taking . on the second night i saw more clearly how (as other folks write here) the narative and arc were very nutral and dispassionate . it truly was an awesome year for CASEY AFFLECK (what with his brother's brilliant directorial project "GONE BABY GONE") comming out the same year . some will not care for the picture at all i suppose . put me in the other catagory . i was reminded that pretty boy BRAD PITT can really act (outside the vanity projects GEORGE CLOONEY injects him into) and treated to a well above average story telling that will probably continue to grow upon reflection . most aspects of the film are quite outstanding . it may test your endurance , but it will reward the patient .

Brad Pitt's ultimate masterpiece [Posted on 2008-08-21]
Hello there,

Dear mr. Pitt,

The Best Brad Pitt Movie Ever.

If you ever get a chance to see my review , this is in my honest opinion your best film.
I think this film is so good that it has changed everything and that like E = MC2 , most people aren't realizing the change that's taking place in Hollywood filmmaking as a result of making movies like this and There Will Be Blood.
I have watched one Jesse James movie before and no matter who may or may not agree with me for me this film will be that movie's sequel.

regards,

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