Review of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) by Ivan P — 29 Aug 2016

With the budget of 30 million dollars «The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford» collected only half as much in the box office. However, despite being financial failure the film appeared to be of the most remarkable pictures of the 21st century so far.

Basing on the novel of the same name, «The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford» combines literature-like characters study through numerous dialogs and voice-over narration with great visual beauty supported by brilliant Roger Dickens' cinematography. The result is a poetic graphic novel of strong visual and verbal expression.

The remarkable style of the film with its slow pacing, voice-over narration and imagery of golden fields in the rays of sunset brings to mind Terrence Malick and particularly his «Days of Heaven» (There is even Sam Shepard on one of the important roles). Nevertheless, poetry of the «Assasination...» has its own identity serving the themes film explores. Literally and figuratively«gilded» depiction of the world, like the one we have in our nostalgic memories, compliments Robert Ford's idealization of legendary outlaw Jessie James, member of whose gang Ford becomes. Seeking fame but being too ordinary to get it as his idol did, the only way Ford finds to attract attention to himself is by becoming a person «who killed Jessie James». Conflict of mediocrity and extraordinariness becomes central problem of the film and is being explored through interesting characters. Strong actors performances, especially the one carried out by Casey Affleck as Robert Ford, contribute to it.

«The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford» is remarkable for its visual style but not limited to it. Exploring interesting themes and having strong actors performances, the film presents a great interest and despite its failure in the box office deserves appreciation equal to more successful pictures.