The movie has the space and freedom of classic Western epics. But just right long. We see that here. Andrew Dominik is the star, though. This is not a tale of excess or young guns, but instead one of paranoia, suspicion, friendship, and betrayal from all sides. It's slow and likes to surround its characters with enormous landscapes that almost swallow them whole. 7.7: I LOVE THIS MOVIE! The story begins in 1881, after Jesse's legend is already part of the mythology and the James Gang has only one robbery left to go. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford premiered in New York, September 19, 2007 following previews at the Venice Film Festival & Toronto Film Festival. Featuring some of the best performances of the decade, the film is a wonderful mix of subtle and emotional heartache with biting realistic tension and a beautifully flawed character that everyone can relate to in some way. Wow, does this film have style or what? Both Chopper Read and Jesse James were savage murderers, and both masochistically put themselves in harm's way. ccording to Wikipedia, it took almost two years to edit “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” and it’s still two hours and 40 minutes long. ... Pentru a scrie un review trebuie sa fii autentificat. Online reviewers have written 865 reviews, giving The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) an average rating of 73%. All the pieces - props, costume, camera-work, script, and acting - fit together as well as the finely crafted parts of a nickel-plated revolver. It is the best film of the year so far, and will be hard to top. It is an epic allegory about the development of the American cult of celebrity and the effects of this obsession on the individuals caught in its web. I was reluctant to watch an almost three hour western but was very curious, especially because of the cast. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a frustrating film, one that alternates between fleeting moments of greatness and long, … Maybe the time was spent because no one would distribute it without changes, and if that is so, I'm glad to have waited for its introduction. The wonderful portrayal of Jesse James as the dangerous, paranoid killer but also a troubled man weary from the life he's lived and people he's hurt is … If Robert cannot be the lover of his hero, what would be more intimate than to kill him? This is by far the best movie I've seen all year. Watch The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford movie trailer and get the latest cast info, photos, movie review and more on TVGuide.com. Yeah, this is incredibly long but, the runtime justifies the overall storytelling. Like "McCabe and Mrs. Miller" and "Days of Heaven," it was photographed in the wide open spaces of western Canada, where the land is so empty, it creates a vacuum demanding men to become legends.Jesse James is such a man, a ruthless killer and attentive father and husband, glorified in the dime novels that Robert Ford memorizes. Young Robert quickly learns that the exploits of the murderous train-robbers are far from the exciting flights of fancy he grew up reading about in newspapers and dime-store novels. Ford doesn't so much shoot him in the back as have the back presented to him for the purpose. It moves forward through dialog that is poetic, but increasingly haunting at times. The frozen Missouri/ Kansas landscapes are a treat for the eyes. This has been on my watchlist for a long time. Every subtle nuance of this film will haunt you. Renault of "Casablanca" plays for both teams. Exactly the way one would expect an outlaw to act when they have everything in the world to hide. It's a long-haul: slow-moving, intensely melancholic and sombre, dealing in grey-paletted landscapes and skyscapes, pauses, silences, things unsaid as much as things said. It's timeless so give this movie a chance and you shan't be disappointed. It almost feels like Shakesperean. The time reaching ahead of us must be as generous as the landscape unfolding before us. The best part about this movie is that it could have easily been a set up for failure given how slow the story is, but the tension created by each actors performance left me wanting more. But what it doesn't say is that Jesse James gets assassinated or murdered more than once. Awards Dominik is unrelenting on his quest to tell the story the way he wants it told, never compromising by cutting scenes or shortening the name so it will fit on theatre marquees. I have to admit, looking at some of the other comments here I'm not sure if I and other reviewers saw the same movie. How can a movie be so beautiful yet depressing. Despre legendarul gangster s-au scris nenumarate carti fascinante, in care imaginea lui era idealizata, iar faptele erau prezentate ca o adevarata bravura. Every now and then, in the realms of western / period dramas a very special film comes along. Such a style beggars all description in a familiar Western story about the shooting of Jesse James, a crumb bum of the first order. 304 I'd anticipated reading Ron Hansen's book, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford for a while before I took the plunge. I know absolutely nothing about films. Well scripted, excellent acting, powerful movie, Recapitulating the act of betrayal…The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. !Roger Deakins is awesome!And the opening train robbery!! The desire to be someone else, as an escape from the drudgery of your own life ("do you want to be like me, or do you want to be me?"). Renault of ", HBO's Painting with John is a Magnetic Celebration of Arts and Artists, The Nostalgia of Epix's Bridge and Tunnel is Filled with Wrong Turns, The Sister Sacrifices Logic, Tension as Its Twists Unravel, Visions of Friendship: Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin on The Climb. S teeped in the lyrical fatalism of that last great decade for the western, the ‘70s, Andrew Dominik’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford owes a debt to myriad spiritual ancestors. Jesse James, by 1881, had become physically sick, seething and moody. It's still 1 of my favorite movies of all time. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford at Amazon.com. Gun violence, rude language. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, este un film care sincer mi-a pplacut. Yes, it was Brad Pitt who won the award at Venice, and he's competent within the range of his ability - by which I mean I've seen him give performances like this before, and he is improving with age ... but the truly subtle, charismatic and deft performance comes from Casey Affleck - his is an Oscar-worthy performance and key to the emotional success of the film. The character of Robert Ford is marvellously played by Casey Affleck, a pathetic character that both repells and makes you feel compassionate, his gradual shift from awe to resentment to Jesse is subtle and in line with the above mentioned tension. DVD released February 2008, Warner Home Video, 160 minutes, $27.98. It's been a long time since a film enveloped me in the way Andrew Dominic managed to take me right inside the carriage of the train the characters were robbing on screen. Updated at January 24, 2017 1:02 am. The gang members are like sidemen for Elvis, standing by in subservience, keeping the beat, all except for Frank, who Sam Shepard plays as the insider who understands it all. The film riveted my attention for two hours and 40 minutes, and has remained on my mind for several days after my viewing. I would sit through a ten hour "Jesse James" because of the excellent tone given out by director Andrew Dominik. I have no problem with this. Despite some pointless narration (and irrelevantly blurred editing during the scenes with this narration) and the complete mistreatment of one of the finest actresses of the decade, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is easily one of the finest modern films around and certainly one of the best of the year. Find album reviews, stream songs, credits and award information for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] - Nick Cave, Warren Ellis on AllMusic - 2007 - Nick Cave, heretofore best known for his work… Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford, The As his gang and legend begin to fragment, train-robber and outlaw Jesse James (Pitt) is a haunted … Casey Affleck's has officially come into his own. Do not expect the wild west or gun fights at every corner. There are the usual lyrical passages of Jesse playing with his kids and loving his wife, and yet all the time he and the Coward have something deadly going on between them. Jesse James is such a man, a ruthless killer and attentive father and husband, glorified in the dime novels that Robert Ford memorizes. I don't know how accurate this is, but it was excellent. Though Jesse James through the newspaper accounts of his exploits and through the dime novels of the day was already a legend, his immortality was sealed on April 3, 1882 by the manner of his death. This is a really amazing film. The realisation that that someone else is "just a man," just like you, and that he perhaps struggles with the same sense of drudgery and hopelessness, as you do. There have been plenty of successful Westerns over the past couple of decades, but I'd be hard-pressed to name a single one out that so beautifully and completely re-invents the genre. Now here is another Western in the classical tradition. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford by Ron Hansen 4 stars pp. for some strong violence and brief sexual references, Few things have earned me more grief from readers than my recent suggestion that in the sport of sex, Capt. If he did not pull the trigger at that moment, I think they would both feel an appointment had been missed. This is a wonderfully & artfully developed rendition of the relationship between Jesse James & his most consistent fan, Robet Ford. Oscar worthy performances from Affleck, Pitt, and Rockwell-Oscar worthy cinematography-Oscar worthy directing. It has some of the well-worn themes of Westerns, such as the creation of Western myth vs. the cold, harsh realities. This is 20 minutes shorter than writer/director Andrew Dominik’s original cut, but 40 minutes longer than it needs to be. Casey Affleck delivers a fantastic performance in how he portrays Robert Ford as the bright eyed fawning kid in a way so sincere it makes the audience uncomfortable even when it shouldn't. FAQ In some parts of the country, trying to find a theater showing this 2007 movie, based on the novel by Ron Hansen, was as difficult as trying to understand the true Jesse James. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck are the titular leads, and neither has done as well. The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford ... Add Review. During this time, "There Will Be Blood" came out and I believe "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" got swept under the rug. IMDb page for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Tracklistings come from MusicBrainz . The development of the characters and the story are wrapped perfectly with superb and perfectly synchronised photography, music and landscapes, making this , in my humble opinion, one of the best pieces of cinematography of the last 20 years. Although centered on one of the iconic legends of the Old West, it is far beyond an updated reincarnation of the Western. | Like "McCabe and Mrs. Miller" and "Days of Heaven," it was photographed in the wide open spaces of western Canada, where the land is so empty, it creates a vacuum demanding men to become legends. This movie delivers on every level of film making, be it cinematography, acting, or writing. Growing up in awe of Jesse James (Brad Pitt), Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) finally gets to live out his dream of living side by side with his idol when his brother, Charles (Sam Rockwell) joins the gang. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. All other supporting actors are seasoned character actors. It's haunting, compelling, thought provoking, (dare I say) conversation inducing - a visual tour-De-force with stunning landscapes, emotive lighting and classic film-making techniques all rolled into one. elangley January 4, 2021 Report; Just picked up a copy. The narration neither detracts or adds to the tone, although there is one bit of bad editing that confused my friend as to whether the narrator was speaking or a man's voice had been dubbed poorly. Great job to ALL. This movie was quite simply AMAZING! In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 2007 ★★★½ Watched Aug 24 , 2012 demi adejuyigbe’s review published on Letterboxd: The Assassination of Jesse James (2007) – A Quick Review There might be spoilers for those who do not know anything about Jesse James. It is a magnificent performance. I mean start to finish it was a progression of characters leading from the introduction of the James gang to the murder of Robert Ford. I was glued to my seat. The film riveted my attention for two hours and 40 minutes, and has remained on my mind for several days after my viewing. Hate me if you want, but the pacing was perfect. I was surprised I'd not heard more about it. The lachrymose new film “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” adds another gauzy chapter to the overtaxed James myth, if not much rhyme or reason, heart or soul. But for some reason, it never feels like anything else I've ever seen. Is there a buried message that James, having become a founding member of America's celebrity royalty, realizes that Robert is the price he has to pay? The film beautifully captures the complexities of Ford's obsession mixed with James' paranoia and regret. "His moodiness modeled him. | There are things about men, horses and horizons that are uniquely suited to the wide screen. This almost defines the oft-used term "elegiac Western". Updated. The Assassination of Jesse James has to be not only one of the most accurate portrayals of the famous outlaw but by far the best. After their last train job, Frank has had enough, and heads out. Andrew Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, is a deliberately paced, stunningly visualized, and emotionally charged exploration of the early development of mass media celebrity in America. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford was released in 2007 and has generally received positive reviews. "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" is a handsomely mounted, film-school like study of the last days of the infamous James' Gang by director Andrew Dominik. From its bloated runtime to its slow, methodical pace, Andrew Dominik's epic tale contains an inner beauty that allows for all the pretensions one seems to associate with it. I just know that this one is so damn good that even someone like me who usually just sticks to comedies can get lost in the story. A long, ambitious, fitfully rewarding movie, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is less about the gun-toting outlaws of the 1880s than the filmmaking outlaws of the 1970s. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a 2007 American epic revisionist Western film written and directed by Andrew Dominik.Adapted from Ron Hansen's 1983 novel of the same title, the film dramatizes the relationship between Jesse James and Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), focusing on the events that lead up to the titular killing. The film runs at almost three hours, but never looses your attention for one second. It dungeoned him." Metacritic Reviews. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. This week's video essay is an analysis of Andrew Dominik's 2007 masterpiece The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford. Affleck is a revelation. All this becomes even more aspirational when the state has failed for the people. There is a sense that an epic must have duration to have importance. The film opened in limited release on September 21, 2007 in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, and Toronto. If Ford is a coward, what does that make James, who led his efficient gang in stagecoach and bank robberies that involved the deaths of unarmed men and women? The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is an absolute masterpiece and a near-flawless film. Brad Pitt embodies Jesse James' mythic stature as if long accustomed to it; Casey Affleck plays the kid like Mark David Chapman, a nobody killing the one he loves. But it's also not averse to close-ups. In what could be my favorite film name of all-time, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is much more than its superfluous moniker. Director Dominik, who has only made one other film, Chopper, and it's been seven years since then, loves to concentrate on facial expressions, as well as body language (don't know if I've ever seen a film with this level of attention to body language, or maybe it's just not something to which I've ever been lead to pay much attention). It is Dominik's second, and has a great deal in common with his good first film, "Chopper" (2001). Honestly, I'm glad I finally saw this. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. We have a program to register the most-read reviews on my Web site, and for the month of September the overwhelming leader was not "Eastern Promises," not "Shoot 'em up," not "The Brave One," but "3:10 to Yuma." The film in so much of its glory has both positive and negative components that make this an uneasy experience at the movies. I think he is fascinated by the idea, and flies too close to the flame. Opening on the first encounter between Jesse James (Brad Pitt) and his eventual killer, Bob Ford (Casey Affleck), it traces the strange and fitful rhythms of their relationship. So so beautiful. The supporting cast includes Sam Rockwell, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Renner, Garrett Dillahunt and Paul Schneider. A series of cowardly acts in the wake of double-crossings and humiliations ultimately lead to the titular event. The film even seems to have been languishing in the doldrums for over a year before finally seeing the light of day. It plays as a Shakespearean tragedy instead of an outlandish, action-filled western that one would expect when hearing the name Jesse James. Yes, but he did it with style, you see, and Ford is only a callow squirt. The cast is uniformly brilliant. Still, it's been critically successful, and it address questions pertinent to today's society. Brad Pitt's Jesse James is intense, complex, charming and unhinged. Andrew Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, is a deliberately paced, stunningly visualized, and emotionally charged exploration of the early development of mass media celebrity in America. The Coward is like a starstruck stalker, something all the gang members recognize. I can't say the movie didn't FEEL two hours and forty minutes long but I never wanted it to end sooner than it did. Rated R One of the most amazing movies I have ever seen. If you are looking for flash bang blood & gore you won't find it here. Slowly the film builds a tension and knowing dissension towards the inevitable downfall of Mr. James. Fame. Points for cinematography, score & editing. Brad Pitt underplays his part as Jesse James hitting all the right notes while never saying much. It has a style more reminiscent of Michelangelo Antonioni than any of the great Western filmmakers. Now, this perception may or may not be tenable, but it certainly appeals to a primal aspect of most human beings who strive for that contradiction of winning, ruthlessness, courage and fame, yet want this image of kindness, generosity and some inherent sense of righteousness. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. 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