The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

This film was too long.It lost me somewhere in the middle.It is an elegaic,autumnal,funereal western about a criminal psychopath who becomes a legend in his own lifetime,Jesse James,played with languorous ease by Brad Pitt.This film is not about action, it is a psychodrama about a fan who turns critic to a celebrity he worships.The cinematography by Deakin depicts beautifully the wide open plains of Missouri.Robert Ford is ably played by Casey Affleck who worms his way past Frank James’s scornful put down into the bosom of a tired 34 year old Jesse James.The minor characters are acted and depicted well.I couldn’t take too well to the voiceover which is often the death-knell to a good film. The film recalled in it’s sepia tones, Days of Heaven and McCabb & Mrs. Miller.The modern western has turned into a heritage of reconstruction and recreation.We know all along the scenario and how it will play out:it’s in the title and Jesse James seems to nurture and play with the viper at his bosom.It is not strictly an assassination as he offers his uncritical back to his would-be killer.The real problem is that films based on works of literature do not translate to the screen(cf. Atonement); seeing a film is not like reading a book as word is imagination not vision.

This film deserves several Acadamy Awards, namely for best actor in a leading role, best supporting actor, best cinematography, and best picture. Even the soundtrack should have been considered for an Oscar. I'm not sure what the Acadamy's members were thinking. The entire cast gave amazing performances. Also, the cinematography was out of this world, the soundtrack was hauntingly surreal, and the story itself compelling. As I watched the film, I actually felt as though I had been transported back to 1881, and was watching the entire drama unfold before my very eyes. Amazing!!!!!

The Timeout Reviewer should simply not be trusted on this film. ‘The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford’ is a splendid, ambitious and lyrical film, driven by a complex array of fully realized and deeply nuanced characters. The acting is uniformly first class, with some of the minor players delivering performances every bit as excellent as those of Affleck and Pitt. It is a film of great depth and weight. Historical context is handled deftly, without ever becoming cliché as the film treads the historiographical middle-ground between competing interpretations of James, for and against. The cinematography is stunning and the score is perfect. If you are after an action-filled spaghetti western then you will be disappointed, but this is a terrific film. My only reservation was the vanity piece afforded to Nick Cave, though given his contribution to the film as a whole, perhaps he should be forgiven.

I agree that there could have been some editing without adversely affecting the mood or development. It was a showcase for incredible acting. If one is not into the slow simmer of a psychological drama then they may indeed be bored. It was beautiful cinematography and a great soundtrack that added to the richness of the film. But again, I still believe it wouldn't have lost much if it was culled a bit.

A beautiful film. More like this from Holywood please.

this was possibly the worst, most boring film i have ever seen. half of the cinema walked out half way through and i wish i had done the same. do yourself a favour and never watch this movie. ever.

The comment you type in this box will appear on the A brilliant film with excellent persormances from the main characters. Visually beautiful with an excellent soundtrack. The slow pace and psychology of the two main characters made for compulsive viewing

Agree with KB absolutely. An immaculately constructed, fascinating film. I would recommend it to anyone who loves cinema.

Heavens what a long movie. I longed for some action (only one robbery in the whole film) but instead was treated to a masterclass of acting by Brad Pitt as a borderline psychotic Jesse but really not much else other than time.... then more time ..... followed by more time. I'm all for atmosphere but this movie could have been cut by 30 minutes without spoiling story or atmospherics

A gripping film studying the minds and motives of 19th century gunslingers, shot with brilliant cinematography. The leads are superb and although a long film, it flies by. Worth seeing on the big screen.