Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The

USA 2007, 160 minutes
Dir. Andrew Dominik
Rating: [R]
Genres: Drama / Western

Feat. Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Paul Schneider, Zooey Deschanel

Aroview: A haunting, psychoanalytical western, revisionist in its interpretation of the relationship between outlaw Jesse James, and his eventual killer, fellow bandit Robert Ford.

From the dir. of CHOPPER, this adopts a likeminded approach to style-through-substance, crystalised in Roger Deakins’ sublime cinematography, and a complex counter-performance by Casey Affleck, who plays the film’s brooding, pathological zealot with loaded intensity and a dash of sympathy. Brad Pitt also turns in an unpleasant, antiheroic performance as the titular, charismatic misanthrope, a portrayal at odds with western mythology, but well in keeping with the film's interior character study, smuggled knowingly inside a genre more accustomed to guns and gung-ho. Score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Good Enough). Showing 1-3 of 3 member reviews.

I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
3 stars (Good Enough) Too slow, and too long, Jesse James could have been a great film - but it tries just a little too hard to include too much and be too 'artsy'. Well acted, and technically very good, but not quite a Western classic. ~Tom H
I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
5 stars (Exceptional) A majestic masterpiece of a film. Brad Pitt proves his worth as an actor with a haunting, unforgettable performance. Affleck, Rockwell and Renner add their considerable talents to this thoughtful and beautiful film that strikes every note perfectly. ~Wizzums
I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
2 stars (Good Try) The night time train robbery segment was well done and the photography/locations likewise. The casting wasn't too bad but it has to be something special to maintain interest when its over 2 hrs - cutting back the title would have been a good start. ~Tubbs