Review of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) by Tyler M — 31 Mar 2012

Used to be nobody could sneak up on Jesse James.

Masterfully crafted and wonderfully told, this is the haunting narrative, telling the tale of the man who killed the legendary Jesse James.

The Story: I pretty much explained it above, but there's more to it than that. It's the story of Robert Ford, a young man who idolized Jesse James, as a child he read all about the adventures of the bandit and his crew, as a young man he knew James for who he was, for what he was. A human being. This film doesn't glorify Jesse James in any way shape or form, nor does it really demonize him. It doesn't turn Robert Ford into a hero, and it doesn't make him any less of a man. The two aren't friends and they aren't adversaries, they're just two men who know each other, who know how each other work, and who know not to trust. The narrative passes like a gentle breeze in a midwestern field, creeping into your ears like the whispers of a time passed, it doesn't move slowly nor does it move quickly, you'll find yourself losing track of time and you'll find yourself invested in each and every character, though you won't feel bad for any of them.

The Cast:

Brad Pitt ... Jesse James.

Casey Affleck ... Robert Ford.

Sam Rockwell ... Charley Ford.

Brad Pitt is Jesse James, legendary bandit, tough as nails and aware of all his surroundings. He gives a great performance as you'll believe from the moment you see him that he is in fact Jesse James. As the film progresses you'll see his dark side, his light side, and you'll see that while it seems that he's impenitrable he's nothing more than a tired broken man. Casey Affleck is Robert Ford, a nobody. Just a kid who wants to be [like] Jesse James. A haunting performance from him makes forget you're watching an actor on screen. From the moment you meet Robert Ford you know that he's not strong willed, but at the same time you know that he can hold his own when push comes to shove. A truly complex character, played out with ease and sincerity. You don't see that every day. Sam Rockwell is Charley Ford, Roberts brother. Friend of Jesse, perhapse Jesses last real friend. He gives an unstable performance, and I don't mean that in a bad way, he's so utterly nervous that you never know how he's going to react, and you never know what's going through his mind. Sometimes, it's as though he's just a spectator, a fly on the wall watching the world unfold before his very eyes. Amazing performances from start to inevitable finish.

One to Five Scale: 5.

From the cinematography to the lilting Nick Cave tunes, to the intense performances to the final shot ringing out, this film is nothing short of breathtaking.

Tyler.

2-27-08.