Review of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) by Zach N — 19 Dec 2010

This is my first review since the beginning of the college semester. Now that it's over, and Christmas Break offers far too much free time, here is my first review in a long time.

"The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford" is easily one of the most beautifully shot movies I have ever seen. The cinematography makes this film fantastic, which is personally what I enjoy the most about this movie. Every scene that consists of snow, dirt, or open sky looks incredible.

Also, the film's title is about as long as the movie itself, coming around to about 2 hours and 40 minutes, about as long as "There Will Be Blood", another great and similar feeling period piece. I did find myself losing interest around the last 30 minutes or so, because I felt it would end sooner that I predicted. Anyways, let's talk about the acting. Brad Pitt, Jeremy Renner, Sam Rockwell, and especially Casey Affleck all give superb performances. Casey Affleck is downright amazing, being incredibly awkward and full of himself but all the while being a down right coward at heart. Brad Pitt is absolutely terrifying. You have to watch the film to understand why I say this, but for about the last 2/3rds of the film, he is featured in so many scenes that make him downright terrifying, horrific, and suspenseful. Definitely one of my favorite Pitt performances ever.

Do not expect an action Western filled with shootouts and glorified heroes. If you want that, go watch "3:10 to Yuma", another fantastic and slightly more superb 2007 western (I also count No Country for Old Men as a western, but its contemporary, so it just has the western feel). This movie is heavy on the suspense and heavy on the drama. You never know where a scene is going to lead too, and scenes drag on only to make you wonder whats next. There is one scene of man on man shooting, and it's definitely the highlight of the film. You'll be gripping your seat the whole time during that one. Last but not least, the score by Warren Ellis and Nick Cave is even better than their "The Proposition" score. It's absolutely amazing, enough said. One of the decade's best.

So, I'd give this a 3.5/4 rating.