The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
After Robert Ford (Casey Affleck, in an Oscar-nominated role) joins the most notorious gang in the West, he grows tired of the charismatic Jesse James (Brad Pitt) and begins to resent his fame. But by hatching a scheme to gun down James, Ford risks forever being branded a coward. Sam Shepard, Sam Rockwell, Mary-Louise Parker and Michael Parks also star in director Andrew Dominik's riveting Wild West drama adapted from Ron Hansen's acclaimed novel.
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This movie has great potential.... However the film we are provided with contains scenes linked together with a strange narration that describes either what we've seen or what we're about to see. It seems like we're being provided with a shortened version of a much longer piece or a long version of a much simpler and perhaps much better film.- Julia.
I sat through an hour and a half of it to find out I still have another hour and a half to go, this movie dragged on way too long
- LH 969269
I got a very documentary feel about this movie, as we experience the apparent mental demise of Jesse James as paranoia overtakes him. A bit slow at times doesn't help the 2+ hour movie go by any faster.
- JC 1318137
It is an amazing line the editors ride. It is genius how they figured out the exact right mix of tension and slow pace without allowing ones mind to wander or get bored. And although we had to turn on subtitles to understand Casey Affleck, he did a phenomenal job. It is ashame he lost Best Supporting Actor to a Javier Bardem who had probably 1/100th of the lines Affleck had, but created a VERY memorable character out of them. I also get a little ticked off with extensive narration; I view it as cinematic cop-out most of the time. Not here, however. The narration is perfect I wouldn't have it any other way.
- Scott Elkin
I was absolutely taken by surprise with this film and that feeling of awe was carried to the end. I'm not sure what grabbed me so hard and why it stays with me as I write this but whatever it was...it was real. The Assassination...opened with a very palpable sense of dread and unease that never really ceases. This is a film about people, real people and thier actions on screen are haunting and beautifully shot. An amazing exmaple of raw, uncompromising film making.
- MH!!
WOW!!! What a LONG LONG movie! I kept waiting for the end and it just never seemed to come. Not that this film isn't enjoyable, not by any means I found it very interesting to watch. However the length was just a little much. Affleck plays a young man who joins the James gang because he wants to be just like him. His fascination with him is sometimes goes a little too far. But as events unfold and as James begins to loose his grip on sanity Robert and his brother put into motion the deed that will forever mark them the coward. Pitt is stunning in the role ruthless in character and unforgettable all around. Affleck is brilliant but sometimes a little bit annoying. The rest of the cast is pretty well put together and although this movie IS a LONG one I wouldn't say it was worth skipping to view. I would say save this one for a rainy day or a long weekend. A top 10 or 15 for sure. A memorable film.
- *~*Sullivans*~*
If you like long, meditative movies that decontruct the myth of the old west, like Unforgiven and 3:10 to Yuma, then this is the movie for you. I really like those kinds of movies, so for me, this was a great one. The title says it all, giving an accounting of the life of Jesse James that leads up to his eventual murder by Robert Ford. Both Brad Pitt as Jesse James and Casey Affleck as Robert Ford are superb, and you almost forget who they are as you watch the film.
- psq 667824
I nearly missed seeing this film because of all the negativity I'd heard about it being boring. I couldn't disagree more. This movie has haunted me. It is methodical in its telling, and rightfully so. The events unfold with a tension, an anticipation that cannot be rushed. In order to feel the emotions of all the characters, time must be spent in defining them, as well as Jesse James. The movie has made me want to now read the book and learn more about Jesse James, a man who was likely misunderstood and a man who likely misunderstood himself. This was a fascinating portrayal of an icon in American history. Recommended for those who have the patience to allow a historical film to develop in it's own time and space. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck put in powerful performances.
- Southern Belle 1
While watching this, I couldn't help but get the impression that it was a film made for absolutely no other reason than to show off some of the most beautiful and wondrous visual imagery in recent memory. Yet no matter how gorgeous the film turned out to be, that ultimately is only one aspect of many which make this a glorious film. This is a leisurely paced story completely enveloped by emotion, requiring a patient viewer and one that's willing to read between the lines and "feel" the action. If you expect a typical western, don't bother because this isn't a western at all. Casey Affleck is outstanding, far exceding any expectations one might have of him. However, even though Jesse James was a larger than life figure in his time, I felt like Pitt is too much of a larger than life personality now to properly play the role. That may not make any sense, but to me I think the role would have been better filled by a complete unknown. Never the less, Pitt was incredible. The music could not have been better, costume and set design was spot on, and all the supporting players were equally as strong as the leads. I love this film to pieces and highly recommend it, but warn that it's strictly character stuff here with very little action.
- Photo Heathen
I loved this movie. Yes, it is deliberately paced, but I never found it boring. The performances in this film are excellent. Casey Affleck has received a lot of attention as Robert Ford, but Brad Pitt is also fantastic. He plays Jesse James as a much more conflicted character than in the past. This is also the most beautiful movie of last year. The cinematography is wonderful and should have won the Oscar. It is definitely a film for the patient, but will reward those who take the time to check it out. Highly recommended.
- Brody
Casey Affleck is great in this western. He plays a kid enamored with Jesse James. Unfortunately he hooks up with the gang, on their last job. Brad Pitt plays Jesse in his last years as he sinks into paranoid madness. There's some good acting here and a real western feel, but the movie was too long and there wasn't enough action, so I recommend renting 3:10 to Yuma instead.
- GS Chicago
Brilliantly shot, Deakins cinematography is of such high quality that its hard to turn away from any shot in the two and half plus hours. The screenplay isnt especially spectacular; its effective, but not flashy. But the beauty of the film and superb performances from Brad Pitt, Sam Rockwell and Casey Affleck make the film quite impressive. Dominiks direction leaves something to be desired as well, but Deakins adept camerawork more than fills in the holes. The film seems to borrow heavily in its final act from Samuel Fullers I Shot Jesse James, scenes, set-ups and shots more than point to an at least passing affinity with the Fuller classic, but, again, it doesnt take away from the ultimate beauty and charm of this film. The suspense is fully developed, as the ending is given away in the title, the characters have depth and mystery. Its one of the best films of the year, and should win plenty of awards for its luscious cinematography.
- Dlukenelson
I'm usually not one for slow methodical dramas, but this movie is a huge exception. Just as the title of the movie is detailed so is the movie and the story it tells. Brad Pitt is great as the intimidating Jesse James. Casey Affleck is excellent as Robert Ford. I also thought it was masterfully directed. Casey Affleck is nominated for an Oscar as is the cinematographer. I really don't understand the low reviews for this movie. This is great movie making and I would recommend this for any adult. Schedule yourself two and half hours off to watch this movie. "Jesse James is bigger than you can imagine."
- Cleve1212
As Westerns go this is exceedingly slow! It has a haunting somber tone like a campfire ghost story. Much of the narration comes straight from the book giving it a book-like feel. It was interesting. The story told here is very different than any of the other Jesse James movies. This focused on the mind of Bob Ford. Psychologically, twisted and complex it makes you think. The acting is phenomenal and the movie is very well made but it lacked the pizzazz and sizzle that I usually like in my Westerns, thus I would not call it a western by genre only by setting. This movie could be described as a cross between Citizen Cane and a History Channel Documentary. I am glad to have watched it, I only wish I had been expecting this type of film. This is the type of thing I prefer to watch during the day, rather than sit down with the guys and a lineup of beer. The cast could not have been picked better. Brad Pitt is perfect as a full of himself, idol. Casey Affleck plays the disturbed character of Robert Ford very convincingly. This is a movie to think about reflect on and analyze. If you enjoy that type of move check this out! Know; it is very slow, and very very long. Going into the movie with that knowledge, you wont be as thrown off by it as I was initially. In the end it was worth watching, once. Hope this is Helpful!
- Phatz
One of the most beautiful tragedies you'll ever see. Not a typical western by any means, but rather a moody, artistic character piece with great acting and poetic dialogue as its driving force. If you expect it to be like 3:10 to Yuma or Unforgiven, you'll be disappointed. Think "Terrence Malick does Western". Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck are brilliant.
- Frank W
I almost feel bad rating THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES only two stars. Almost. Once in a while a movie like 3:10 TO YUMA comes along that makes me believe that a revival in westerns is around the corner. Then someone makes a movie like this one and shatters the dream. I may be alone in this, but I'm not looking for verissimilitude; I'm looking for entertainment. The overlong scenes, uncomfortable silences and lingering landscapes nearly leeched of color are the visual form of Ambien. I'm not knocking the performances. Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell and the rest give memorable performances that suffer for the reluctant hand of the editor and a Titanic-sized running time of 159 minutes. This one is overrated.
- Firewater