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Plot:
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" delves into the private life and public exploits of America's most notorious outlaw. As the charismatic and unpredictable Jesse James (Brad...( read more 
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Recent Reviews
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MCT:September 3, 2008Teriffic film featuring solid support roles as well as a triumphant portrayal by Brad Pitt. Great irony, foreshowing and a rooted, dark meaning. Some parts seemed a little dragged on, long and a little dry. If not for this, a five-star would have been credited to this great movie.
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MCT:September 2, 2008An absolute masterpiece, and a breakthrough in western filmmaking that creates a unique experience as it captures the story of Jesse James poetically and intricately. Every single shot in the film is gorgeous in it's own way, providing the audience with intriguing dream-like images throughout the entire film, and truly capturing the raw and natural beauty of western civilization. Although the narration seems to be critisized by some, and is believed to tell the audience what they can already see, I believe it does an excellent job of creating a story-like atmosphere wich is entirely necessary in the context of the film. We are watching a movie that is presenting the life of Jesse James in the format of a past-tense story, although the narration is not boring and does not have a Discovery Network blandness to it. It rather suits the content and is full of depth. Every scene is given the perfect amount of time that allows the audience to study all of the characters thoughts and emotions, it allows every single stare to be taken into account and examined fully. Andrew Dominik has complete faith in his actors to explore the characters intently with silence and gestures. Every single performance is impressive, beginning with Brad Pitt's complete embodiment of a mysterious, terrifying man and Pitt's every single small mannerism communicates to the audience more than any dialogue. Casey Affleck's portrayol of a neurotic and obsessive coward is entirely natural and subtly creepy. Every single small role is played perfectly as well, with honourable mentions to Paul Schneider, Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner and Mary-Louise Parker. A perfect western that rises above the generally action-packed genre and studies a complex man on a quiet yet epic scale. A truly brilliant film that allowed every detail necessary to explore the tale in its fullness and stylistically portrays the story as a true piece of art.
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MCT:August 31, 2008Not what I thought it would be. This movie tried to portray a western legend in a dramatic and thoughtful light. What it ended up doing was boring the hell out of me. A disappointment.
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MCT:August 31, 2008For some reason I didn't like the film much, I loved the camera work and Brad Pitt's acting, but something was just missing. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood...
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MCT:August 30, 2008
A strong film with powerful performances by Mr. Pitt and Mr. Affleck. More proof that the talent landed in Casey's lap and not his big bro's. I've been interested in the 'legend' of Jesse James since I was a youth and this film brought a whole new perspective to the myth. I was warned that it was long, but it didn't play like that to me. It had good pacing and kept my attention (which can be a challenge cinematically as of late).
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MCT:August 29, 2008
AH-MAZING! Watch this film right now! Pitt and Affleck deliver great performances. The cinematography is artful, the colors are beautiful. I love period films and this one tells the story of a legend. Definitely the best film I've seen in the past year.
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MCT:August 28, 2008
Simply excellent.At first the narration got on my nerves but I calmed down about that and settled into the story.I learned so much.Aside from that yes the scenery is beautiful.Brad Pitt, I don't know how he is going to be able to keep topping himself as far as his acting ability.I think he will be a wonderful actor until he is very old,I certainly hope so at least.Casey Affleck is truly destined for special things.Excellent film,Yes its a bit long but should defintely NOT be missed.=)
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MCT:August 27, 2008
?I've been a nobody all my life. I was the baby; I was the one they made promises to that they never kept. And ever since I can recall it, Jesse James has been as big as a tree. I'm prepared for this, Jim. And I'm going to accomplish it. I know I won't get but this one opportunity and you can bet your life I'm not going to spoil it.?
TAOJJBTCRF is an achievement in filmmaking in all aspects: writing, directing, acting, cinematography, sound designing, etc. Writer-director Andrew Dominik deserves all the credit in the world for making a movie like this. He was robbed of a nomination for Best Director and the cinematography, in my opinion, was better then No Country For Old Men. Every shot is carefully laid out and lit just so, and many of them are breathtaking. The acting is superb, as well; Casey Affleck deserved his Best Supporting Actor nom, if you could call him supporting, and Brad Pitt is very good as Jesse James. The two are supported by many good actors and a great story.
As for some of the complaints, yes, it is a long movie. However, that didn?t really bother me. There aren?t really any parts where you are thinking, ?Oh, they could have cut this scene.? It starts out a little slow but the first hour or so sets up the plot and the character traits very well. If you can sit through it, TAOJJBTCRF pays off and for me, it was one of the best movies I?ve seen. -
MCT:August 23, 2008
You will be taken to another time and another place while watching this film. It is about Robert Ford, one of the most hated men in history. However, this film gives you an interesting perspective on the life of Jesse Jame's killer. The acting, especially by Casey Affleck, is chilling. I felt such empathy from his performance. The cinematography is beautiful and the story sticks with you after you've finished viewing the film.
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MCT:August 23, 2008Poor. The most tedious and sparse verbal interaction is only punctuated occasionally by scenes of inaction.
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MCT:August 22, 2008
I have always enjoyed these movies about the great outlaws of the past. Billy the Kid, Bonnie and Clyde, Butch and Sundance... there are a ton of really good movies that 'tell the story' about real life villains whose names will always be remembered.
This is one of them. Although it was a little on the long side, it was very interesting to look into the past and sort of get the feel of what it was like for all involved. Jesse, his family, Ford & his brother, and all the people who lived in fear, or awe... of one of the most dangerous men of their time.
Like I said, a bit long, but still worth watching. I'll watch it again, cuz it sure ain't hard to look at Brad Pitt anyway. LOL -
MCT:August 22, 2008
The acting was great, there just wasn't a lot of action involved. I was kind of disappointed by that. So if you're looking for a typical shoot-em up bang bang type of western, don't watch this. It was nice to see the "family man" side of James' personality instead of just the notorious outlaw side. Pitt did a great job of portraying the paranoia and distrust that James was famous for as well.
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MCT:August 21, 2008
When a movie has a title as unwieldy as this one, you have to wonder why the filmmakers insisted on such un-commercial name. Often such a title is stuck to as a joke, other times it?s just an indulgence, and other time it?s stuck to simply because it?s absolutely perfect for the movie at large. Firstly, the title perfectly mimics the kind of faux-ellegance that was rapart in late 19th century dime-novels, the kind of books that created the legend of gunfighters like Jesse James, exactly the kind of mythos this film completely de-glamorizes. Secondly it firmly establishes Robert Ford as the main character rather than Jesse James, and makes the assassination the center of the film. Most importantly, it reminds the viewer of what Robert Ford?s legacy is, that of a coward.
Here?s the catch, Robert Ford isn?t any more of a coward than Jesse James is, he just didn?t get the same kind of press and didn?t build himself into a celebrity. Many compared the film to last year?s No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood because of its western setting, but thematically it has more in common with another 2007 film, Zodiac. Both films deal with criminals who the media managed to turn into celebrities, in this case through no action of the criminal himself. The masses were absolutely enthralled by Jesse James even though he was an unrepentant murderer who did absolutely nothing productive for society.
Among those obsessed with Jesse James is Robert Ford. Ford reminded me in many ways of the character of Rupert Pupkin from Martin Scorsese?s The King of Comedy. He?s an obsessive fan who not only wants to be near his celebrity idle, he wants to be him. And like Pumpkin, his object of desire eventually becomes an enemy in his eyes. Once the assassination in the title occurs, the film begins to resemble another Martin Scorsese film: Taxi Driver. Robert Ford?s fate mirrors Travis Bickle?s but like a mirror image it is reversed. Had Bickle been successful in his attempt to kill the senatorial candidate he would have been vilified by the public, but because he killed a sleazeball pimp he was made a hero. If Robert Ford had killed a pimp he probably would have been a hero, instead he killed the legendary Jesse James, and well? the movie isn?t called ?The Assassination of Jesse James by the Hero Robert Ford.?
Of course, the public wouldn?t have hated Ford if they had known the same Jesse James Ford did. The Jesse James Ford knew did not live up to the hype. Of course writer/director Andrew Dominik could have made the whole thing a lot clearer and simpler if he had turned Jesse James into a mustache twirling villain, but he doesn?t go that far. This Jesse James is simply an average person, except that he has an illegal job. Ford went to meet him expecting to find a great man because he?s only ?known? him through all the nonsense dime novels everyone else had been reading, but there?s nothing great about the real Jesse James.
This film isn?t just great because of its historical analysis of contemporary celebrity worship. This is also an amazing visual experience. The visuals here are absolutely stunning; I never had the slightest clue that the director of Chopper would have such a cinematic eye. This is one of the few films that manages to get Malick-esque visual language right. Roger Deacon?s cinematography is stunningly beautiful. The film was shot on location in western Canada, like most post-Peckenpaw westerns the landscape is not a dusty desert, but a green barren prairie. The film is violent, but it isn?t an action movie. Aside from the titular assassination, there are a few beatings, but more importantly there?s a nice brutal little shootout about a third of the way through the film that correctly portrays just how horribly inaccurate 19th century revolvers really were.
When it was released in the September of 2007 the film received a few great reviews, but it was mostly dismissed as a whole. Most negative reviews focused on the films length, but I think that?s hogwash, another example of the cinematic ADD that?s been rearing its head all too often these days. I found it very refreshing to finally see a movie that takes its time to tell a story instead of rushing every scene in order to appease a mass audience in need of instant satisfaction. This is a great western in the vein of Unforgiven, Maccabe and Mrs. Miller, and Pat Garret & Billy the Kid. -
MCT:August 21, 2008
a big step for casey effleck's career..brad pitt is a real great drama fella.i also loved the soundtrack and use of the camera
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MCT:August 21, 2008
It has been a while since I've watched a movie and been so drawn to it that I barely could take my eyes off the screen !!
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford manages to captivate you completely, make you interested in evey aspect there is to the relationship between the characters incredibly represented..
The scenery alone is a whole other story.. Totally amazing !!
Now the performances.. literally breathtaking, one of Brad Pitt's ultimate best since Fight Club in my opinion, you really feel that he IS Jesse James..
As for Casey Affleck, what is there to say about this gorgeous talent, his display of Robert Ford is so natural, so real.. it's too good to be true !!
And it's NOT too long, I really don't think the story could have been cut any shorter, because all the things shown were important to give the viewer the exact portrayal of the situation and eventually the perfect and flawless wrap up !! -
MCT:August 20, 2008THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD (2007)
starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell
directed by Andrew DominikFrank James: «You're not so special, Mr. Ford. You're just like any other tyro who's prinked himself up for an escapade, hoping to be a gunslinger like them nickel books are about. You may as well quench your mind of it, because you don't have the ingredients, son.»
Robert Ford: «Well, I'm sorry to hear you feel that way, as I put such stock in your opinion. As for me being a gunslinger, I've just got this one granddaddy Paterson Colt and a borrowed belt to stick it in. But I also got an appetite for greater things. I hoped by joining up with you, it'd put me that much closer to getting them.»The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a fascinating and engrossing tale of obssession, friendship and betrayal. It presents Jesse James as the man he really was but also hints his mythical status as well a showing his downfall into madness. The film is a study of characters, describing how the young Robert Ford went from being an admirer of James to ending up murdering him, afraid of being killed himself, and then, much like Jesse James, his fall into madness.Andrew Dominik directs his film with a confident slow pace and precise shots. Roger Deakins cinematography is simply beautiful, every shots looks like a beautiful painting. There isnt much action in Jesse James but the characters are well-drawn and the dialogues are filled with wisdom and there is some kind of poetry to it. A narrator gives us historical insights along the way and its always useful or simply captivating to understand the events behind the legend, all of it punctuated with an amazing score.
Brad Pitt is mesmerizing as Jesse James, palying with a strong accent and walking with confidence on the thin line that makes his character both a real human being that existed but also the legend that was later misrepresented in movies and pulp magazines. Casey Affleck is extremely effective as the young Robert Ford, proving that he's got what it takes to be an A-list actor in Hollywood. Sam Rockwell gives yet another quirky performance, perfectly suiting his character, carrying the right amount of emotions and depth.
The Assassination of Jesse James isnt a film to please everyone, but whoever likes slow-paced film or beautiful imagery should find his due watching it. Its a strong effort, that despite of it all, doesnt really suit the western genre.
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MCT:August 18, 2008
I loved this movie and i think jesse james was an amazing person. too bad he died in such a sick fasion....>< i hate you robert ford
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MCT:August 17, 2008
This was quite a well made film with some kick ass performances by Brad Pitt and honeys, mary louise-Parker and Zoey Deschel oh and fucking Nick Cave makes a cameo and plays the score
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MCT:August 17, 2008
if it weren't for the last 45 minutes, this film probably would've been given one star. casey affleck was f*ckin creepy.
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MCT:August 17, 2008
Very, very impressive. Casey Affleck was brilliant as the 'coward' Robert Ford. Goodness. I felt absolutely terrible for his character and just came away feeling quite angry. The other actors were good, too. I'm afraid my words do no justice. Go watch it.
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MCT:August 15, 2008
"Yeah, just ain't no peace with old Jesse around. You ought to pity my poor wife."
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is an eloquently artistic, poignant portrait and eulogy of the notorious 19th century American outlaw, Jesse James. The film bears an extraordinarily (and unnecessarily) long title, much like the picture it has been slapped on. This grandiose piece of filmmaking clocks at approximately 150 minutes. It's a grand achievement in contemporary filmmaking that merges visual artistry with historical storytelling.
Director Andrew Dominik is no foreigner to films that depict iconic thugs, as his previous directorial outing was the Australian film Chopper. Dominik adopts an expressive approach with this production, essentially mirroring the works of Terrence Malick who's recognised for films such as The New World and The Thin Red Line. Dominik (who adapted the screenplay from Ron Hansen's book) and his director of photography Roger Deakins have consciously striven to accentuate aesthetics, character relationships, atmosphere and tone over pure action. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford desires for its audience to witness and admire the mood, the panorama and the scenery, all whilst you cogitate on the vagaries of the dialogue.
If you're searching for a definitive classification of "post-production hell", then Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford wears it with aplomb. The movie wasn't finally released until roughly 2 years after filming concluded. No studio agreed to fund the film's worldwide release as they weren't confident it was going to generate much of a box office return. Studios feared the film's running time was not going to please a mainstream audience. Dominik's original cut wore a running time of almost 4 hours. Preceding the film's eventual release, years passed by as people were hired to trim the film down to a more serviceable length. The concerns, the reasoning behind delay and the decision to only grant the film a limited release is understandable. The studio pushed for more action as only one robbery was depicted; however it was Dominik's intention to explore the philosophy behind the characters with dialogue as opposed to action.
In the long run, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a magnificently filmed picture, and it articulates a meticulous and edifying story. The film works hard in bequeathing accurate insight into both the mindset and the multi-faceted existence of the legendary outlaw. The film illustrates the duality of Jesse James' character: he was a family man who used an alias around his family, but was a psychotic bandit who slaughtered without remorse and made his living by robbing trains and banks with his loyal gang. The timidity and paranoia that surrounded Jesse James is elucidated in a protracted and prolonged manner. A mainstream Hollywood audience would yearn for action and more robberies to unfold, but the majority of this 150-minute production delves into the psychological facets of Jesse James and his killer Robert Ford. That said, the film's highest point is the initial train robbery. It's an artistic achievement boasting expressive angles, crisp complexion and a fantastic use of lighting. Perhaps more of Jesse's robberies scattered throughout the film could have guaranteed stronger viewing.
The tale commences on September 7th, 1881, just before the James boys staged their final railroad hold-up. At this time Jesse James (Pitt) was 34 years of age, and it was one year before Robert Ford would gun him down in a famous act of cowardice. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford chronicles the final year of Jesse James as we deeply examine his increasing paranoia and reluctance to trust even his closest comrades in fear they would kill him for the reward money and the glory. Robert Ford (Affleck) idolised Jesse James in his early youth, and desires to join the James gang to become a somebody. As the months pass by and Jesse grows increasingly paranoid, Robert Ford becomes resentful of the Missouri outlaw. Moreover, Ford believes his days are limited and that Jesse would soon shoot him. These facts become the motivation for Ford to pull the trigger on a man he once revered.
The critical reception for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford was a mixed bag. Only a selected few could recognise the sheer brilliance underneath a cloak of visually striking images. The film isn't anything further than a unique visual splendour: the exquisite photography impeccably captures the breathtaking locations and sets. Several particular shots continue to haunt me due to the framing. One such instance is Jesse James appearing out of a cloud of smoke. I remember seeing this shot in the trailer back in 2006. Two years on, and it stuck in my mind when I finally watched the film. This is a testament to the wonderful filmmaking being offered.
The music is also evocative and memorable. There are various particular segments of music (composed by Nick Cave) that are repeated at different times. The music is perfect...an intriguing creation to perfectly compliment the photography.
The film's title could easily have been trimmed down to half its length. Coincidentally, the same can be said about the film itself. This only provides the definitive history of Jesse James in his final year. However the narrative grows too convoluted and the dialogue too stilted. While the visuals are striking and the acting stellar, several scenes appear unnecessary and out of place. Much of this Jesse James saga never adds to the story being told. The film could have worked had it not been so long. At the end of the day, 95% of it is talk. Certainly, there are a few remarkable conversations, the landscape is elegant and the silences are telling. But ultimately, we're left with the feeling that the filmmakers have spent a dreadfully long time telling a straightforward and proverbial tale, offering few or no groundbreaking insights. And furthermore, the final 30 minutes appear to be milking the plot as Robert Ford boasts about the assassination. Most of this should have been removed as things grow tedious and boring.
The cast deserve lauding of the highest honour for their delicate portrayals. Brad Pitt is absolutely sensational as the title's namesake. Pitt gives the character everything he can, but could have been far better had the script allowed him something more to say. The script offers nothing but excessive character banter, and the narrative should have been far more succinct.
Casey Affleck is nothing short of amazing. With fantastic performances like this, it's a wonder why his brother Ben is more well-known. Casey Affleck's character is young, naïve and displays a clear-cut traitorous side where he is completely intent on becoming his own celebrity. Affleck demonstrates intelligence in his portrayal as Ford as well as a deep emotional side that was essential for the film's success.
Sam Shepard is amazing, as is Sam Rockwell and the rest of the supporting cast. If there's one compelling reason to view this film, it's for the performances from the entire cast.
Overall, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is an essential contemporary masterpiece. The film feels like a history lesson with magnificent paintings telling the tale. Jesse James was an inimitable personality and one of the legends of American history. This movie paints a faithful story of James' undoing, and final days. It also supplies the reasoning why he was assassinated by an individual whom he considered a friend. Both Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck put forth excellent performances that denote the high water mark of this film. The film is a leisurely paced, ponderous Western that occasionally transcends its gawky determinations to create memorable cinema. Perhaps with a more concise running time or reasoning for its length, this majestic film could have been further improved. -
MCT:August 15, 2008
The photography it's mournful...the charachters are so deep and well represented that I found myself totally absorbed.I also saw other films on Jesse James,but none of those dealt with psychology...it's a bit challenging to follow the different charachters and the story,beacause the action is really dilated, but in the end it's truly fulfilling.
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MCT:August 15, 2008
A very long and expansive look at both Robert Ford and Jesse James trying to get at the point why they are so polar opposite in the public's reaction to their deaths. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck were quite good, but the film goes on much too long, incorporating beautiful scenery, but lacking a solid story to support the length.
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MCT:August 15, 2008
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" delves into the private life and public exploits of America's most notorious outlaw. As the charismatic and unpredictable Jesse James (Brad Pitt) plans his next great robbery, he wages war on his enemies, who are trying to collect the reward money - and the glory - riding on his capture. But the greatest threat to his life may ultimately come from those he trusts the most. This film should of been made better than this but it was still good. Great acting by Drad Pitt and Casey Affleck. This is one of 2007's best western films. Although this film was good, it was a bit slow, and their was a bit too much talking involved and needed a bit more action scenes in it. Great directing by Andrew Dominik. Not Brad Pitt's best performance yet but it was still good. This film should have been made better than it turned out to be.
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Comments
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gyvetteposted 188 days ago -
Considering who jesse james was, what he did, then it's apparent that he was the coward and Robert Ford was an honorable man! I hope this movie doesn't turn into a revisionist history piece of garbage.
I hate brad pitt! Why did they choose him for this roll? He is so damned overated!posted 195 days ago -
I thought this film was good, but a bit lengthy. It was however a beautiful film, and a fantastic character study.
http://www.dvd-dweeb.com/reviews/review-the-assasination-of-jesse-james-by-the-coward-robert-fordposted 211 days ago -
A wonderful art Western that strolls leisurely to its inevitable outcome, as the title suggests. When Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), joins the infamous James gang, we know that he will one day kill one of the most infamous criminals of the 19th century, Jesse James (Brad Pitt). The film fills in the details, showing us the reasons why Robert Ford did what he did on that significant day. Director Andrew Dominik's take on history has a homoerotic subtext suggesting Ford killed what he couldn't have. Pitt is understated and intimidating as Jesse James and Affleck is perfect as Ford, an annoying celebrity obsessed boy. A daring script, excellent performances and spectacular photography make this film a work of art.
posted 301 days ago -
Considering who jesse james was, what he did, then it's apparent that he was the coward and Robert Ford was an honorable man! I hope this movie doesn't turn into a revisionist history piece of garbage.
I hate brad pitt! Why did they choose him for this roll? He is so damned overated!posted 337 days ago -
i saw da trailors n since den i juz cant wait 2 c dis movie...by da luk of it Brad has put his heart in2 dis movie n hopefully it wil NOT b disopointing 4 da fans...u Go Brad keep doin good movies :)
posted 366 days ago -
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