Review of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) by Kunal S — 10 Dec 2011

Really liked this movie a lot. It's not a typical action-packed western, but it's more of a psychological story. Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) has wanted to join Jesse James's (Brad Pitt) notorious gang his whole life. He find his way in through his brother Charlie (Sam Rockwell), another recent recruit.

The outcome of the plot is spelled out in the laborious title, but the film follows Jesse as he becomes increasingly paranoid and realizes that he can't escape capture forever. People expecting lots of shootouts and standoffs will probably be bored. This film takes its time to unfold. There is plenty of long shots, mumblings dialogue, and lots of voiceover narration. Don't get me wrong--there's lots of tension. But it's more in the heads of the principal characters. Who knows what? And what are they going to do about it? Each small action affects the relationships between the men in the lawless society of the Old West, so each person is on edge at all times. The talented stars in this movie play that fact so well.

It also speaks to the nature of celebrity back in that day. One line in the movie says that at the time, the only two people everyone in America knew were Mark Twain and Jesse James. The film also explores how that fact affects both James and the men around him.

It's probably the artsiest western I've ever seen, but man, is this movie gorgeous. The scenery and shots are breathtaking. Each shot is like a painting. I'd never heard of this director before but based on this one movie, I love his work.

I was surprised I hadn't really heard anyone talk about this movie before. I guess the length and slow pace just turn some people off. But I don't think there are many westerns like it. I loved it.