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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

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THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD is one of the finer films about the history of the Old West 'heroes' such as Jesse James. It is difficult to describe the degree of high quality of the way in which this film has been created: the script (adapted by Andrew Dominick from Ron Hansen's novel) is as poetic as it is gritty and flows like a Shakespearean tragedy both in narration and in dialog; the exceptionally fine cinematography by Roger Deakins captures the flavor of the times, shot in subtle lighting whether in darkly intimate interiors or on the vast plains at times heightened by snowlight, but always in the feeling of the quality of daguerreotypes; the musical score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis is strangely apropos without seeming to borrow from any previous source; and the cast of fine actors play the film as a true ensemble work. Director Andrew Dominik has accomplished a masterpiece.

The story begins subtly in the last year of the James gang at the final train robbery in 1881. Jesse James (Brad Pitt) and his brother Frank (Sam Shepard) have gathered remnant criminals to bolster their decimated gang - Dick Liddel (Paul Schneider), Ed Miller (Garret Dillahunt), and Wood Hite (Jeremy Renner) among them. The Ford brothers want to ride with Jesse: 19-year old Robert (Casey Affleck) idolizes Jesse and his older brother Charley (Sam Rockwell) enjoys the attention of the gang's fame. Jesse James, at only age 34, is at the end of his career, content to be at home with his wife Zee (Mary Louise Parker) and children. But Robert's adoration results in a chain of events that slowly dissembles the gang and results in Robert's obsessive revenge for Jesse's murder of one of the members fired by the promise of reward for the capture of Jesse James, dead or alive. History and the title of the film tell the plot so there are no surprises here. It is the inevitable unfolding of the drama and the tension of the interplay of the actors that drives the mood of the story. The film does not stop with the killing of Jesse James but instead follows the descent of the lives of Robert (now wealthy and in love a stripper - Zooey Deschanel) and the progressing insanity of Charley to an end that fades like the proverbial sunset on a time in our history we will never forget.

Each of the actors is exceptional, and despite the glory of having big name stars associated with the cast, the effect is one of pure ensemble work. The 160 minute running time of the film never seems too long, so well timed is the pacing of the story and the pauses for understanding the interior aspects of each character's mind. This is a haunting film, unusually fine in every detail. It deserves, and demands, attention. Grady Harp, February 08

As a fan of the western genre I look forward to pretty much every western I hear is in the works since they come so few and far between nowadays. I am also a huge fan of Sergio Leone and Terrence Malick; two directors who use extremely long takes with exquisite deep focus photography. I had never heard of Andrew Dominik until I researched this film, and when I checked his history and saw that he had only done one other film called Chopper I felt skeptical as to what he would do with The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford. Then I saw the trailer which sent chills up my spine and even made my eyes water, and this film became my top priority for the fall.

The film follows Robert Ford and two of his brothers as they join the James brothers for one final robbery. Robert Ford played brilliantly by Casey Affleck sees Jesse James as his idol. He followed his stories throughout his childhood and he wants nothing more than to be accepted by this man. Affleck portrays Ford as a very insecure and quiet man who almost feels ashamed for being himself. Being the youngest of five brothers one can assume he is tired of being at the bottom and one day wants the fame and attention that someone like Jesse James gets. Brad Pitt plays the complex Jesse James brilliantly with a performance that will send chills up your spine. His character is pretty hard to analyze. One can infer that James is a man who enjoys his reputation but sometimes longs for a life without the attention so that he can be happy with his wife and family. Another important character in this film is that of Charley Ford who is played by the great Sam Rockwell. With this film Rockwell proves he is capable of amazing things as an actor. He adds many dimensions to the character that otherwise would be meaningless to the overall plot. Charley Ford is just as complex as his brother Robert Ford or Jesse James. The cast is overall amazing and each person involved with this film puts on the performance of their career.

As the story progresses things become more and more tense. It's important to note how Dominik handles a film where the ending is given away in the title. The movie isn't for everyone. The 2 hour and 40 minute running time may ward of some movie goers, but it's nothing to be intimidated by. I did see a few people walk out of the screening I went to, which always strikes me as rude no matter what you think of the film. Dominik handled this project very much in a way that Terrence Malick handled The Thin Red Line. The characters are more focused than in a Malick film, but the structure is very similar. This film is all about the characters, which is why we almost forget that Jesse James dies at the hand of Robert Ford in the end. Everything leads up to that moment, which as a scene by itself is breathtaking. I don't think I have trembled in my seat as much as I did with that scene; truly crafted by a masterful filmmaker.

Creatively speaking the most important thing to note is Roger Deakins' absolutely stunning cinematography. I have never seen a more beautifully shot film in my entire life of watching movies. The colors and the lighting are just so phenomenal. The use of soft focus while contrasted with incredible deep focus shots blew me away. The most amazingly shot scene is definitely the train robbery at the beginning where everything is lit by lanterns and every light source glows with radiance. I am calling it now that this film will win Deakins an Oscar, because if it doesn't then I will lose considerable respect for the Academy. No one can deny the brilliance of the cinematography in this film and how it paints a deep layer of emotion for the story.

Another creative marvel of the film is the haunting score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. The duo caught my attention with their gritty score to the Australian made western, The Proposition. Once I heard that they were doing this film it became even higher priority for me to see. The score is very interesting in that there isn't that much score in the nearly 3 hour film. There were three central themes they played throughout to basically create atmosphere and create transition points in the narrative; although their score during the assassination scene is the real reason why it's as brilliant as it is. It's a score that truly deserves people's attention and is worth owning when it's released.

I was shaken by this film; it really got to me. The raw power of the visuals and the performances take the audience on a haunting character exploration of idolization and self dignity. This isn't a typical western of the genre and it really isn't a revisionist western either. It's unique and original and you will not forget this film. Casey Affleck, Brad Pitt and Sam Rockwell give the performances of their careers. Andrew Dominik's meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship proves his capability of being a great filmmaker. Top it off with the genius photographic talents of Roger Deakins and the musical brilliance of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis and you have one of the greatest films I have seen in my life. This is a masterpiece.

This film is a breathtaking account of the life and times of Jesse James. I am in complete awe that this movie wasn't more widely released because it was the best film of the year. Brad Pitt, Sam Rockwell and Casey Affleck give astounding performances, but Affleck's portrayal of the tormented and obsessive ally to James is beautiful and absolutely unforgettable. It is a shame that movies like this can come out and be mostly ignored...it should at least be nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Cinematography.
This is a must see and once you do yourself the favor of indulging in this epic, you will then know why.

Jesse James is a legend, but an outlaw for which I knew little. In the opening scene about a dozen men are stretched out in front of a campfire, eating vittles and talking. Self-proclaimed as "gregarious," Jesse (Brad Pitt) enjoys speculating on the love lives of both Presidents, proclaiming that Jefferson Davis is virile enough for his wife; while Lincoln is more than a little languid. It is here that we get his personality and the component of his post Civil War motives. It is also in this scene the film establishes the centrality of Jesse in the hierarchy of things, and it is through Hugh Ross's narration that Jesse is understood to be both skillful and fortunate, a cat with nine lives who has used up all but three.

On the outskirts of the parleying is greenhorn, Bob Ford (Casey Affleck), a James' Gang wannabe. Yet from the hideaway at his sister's place in Kansas City, it is clear from a box found underneath his bed that his notions of Jesse are from books and pamphlets with romanticized notions of train robberies and banditry. Swirling around this naïve figure are all Jesse's cousins. There's the ladies' man, Dick Liddell (played playfully and intently by Paul Schneider) and his brother, Andrew James, whose treason winds him like a ticking clock. There's also a close reading of Charlie and Wood who each keep us guessing as to what will happen next. Once the governor of Missouri (James Carville whose laudable performance shows his intensity for acting can be channeled just as strongly as for politics) gets a hold of them, we are really kept on our toes.

Once Ford's in, all the components of treachery and fate hang around each man's head. As he becomes privy to all, his education, understandably, has him liking his direction far less. As the noose tightens on all the key players, the suspense grows as to which member will be done in by Jesse, which ones by the law, and which by the conspiring traitors. Each man has to take sides, but the choices get grimmer with each passing day.

Jesse, having a nose for treachery, is always on the look-out. Getting each suspect alone, he fishes them out through questioning, while the fidgeting figure hems and haws his way out of the cross-examination whether guilty or innocent. This is the movie's real magic. Between the quiet, cocky confidence of Pitt's performance and the unsettling portrayals of the supporting players, insecurity has a tangible mood throughout the film.

`The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Bob Ford' sure takes its time. They could have carved their film down by about twenty minutes, but that is mainly nitpicking. At times the film seems as long as its title. However, the languorous scenes where Jesse is talking to his compatriots have the effect of a poker table. Everyone is waiting nervously for either a big payoff or to get shot or both. The tense behavior by all the designated players is so intense we feel we're a part of their table.

And when you're watching a Western that's as close as you wanna be.

(Based on a novel by Ron Hansen)

Ok. Jesse James. Moody. Dark. No heroes. Certainly will satisfy hard core history affictionados. The sets and evocation of the times are sterling. Pitt makes us feel like he really nailed Jesse. Powerful, charismatic, a liitle bit(?) loco. The narration is poetical. Makes me want to read the novel. Affleck was perfectly cast as Ford who at first worshipped Jesse, then betrayed him and had to shoot him when his betrayal was discovered. James Carville's turn as the governor of Missouri worked surprisingly well. The film is a study of characthers. It's not for old fashioned "shoot 'em up" fans. Nothing like "Long Riders," which is one of my favorites.

The one good gunfight in the film was surprising and very realistic. There is no illusory presentation of 19th century outlaws as people who would, if given a choice, chance a face to face gunfight with even odds. The preference for ambush is totally realistic and historically accurate.

The movie is very long, I watched it in three sittings. Like reading a novel, and it was very enjoyable. The dialogue and story telling are not very clear and I had to go back and review earlier scenes to make sure I understood what was going on. But that's an advantage of a DVD and the scenes are fun and packed with information. I will probably watch this film again.

'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' is about the last few months in the life of the infamous American outlaw, and how it is intertwined with his eventual assassin, Robert Ford. This is one of those films where you know exactly how it's going to end, and yet are drawn in and compelled anyway. Firstly, the film IS long. It's two hours and forty minutes, and it's slow, drawn out pace makes you feel it. I'm not sure if a healthy edit would have benefitted the film, but I'm quite sure it would have made it more appealing to some would-be movie-goers. As it stands, I would not recommend it those who are very impatient.

That being said, I thought it was an overall good film. Some of the dialogue is a bit peculiar, but it does well as a good drama and character study, and it is even quite hilarious at times. Visually, the film is beautiful, and the haunting, poignant score is phenomenal. Pitt does well as the personable, complex, and brutal Jesse James. I can't speak on how accurate this rendition is, but Pitt's James is portrayed as a man who acts viciously in the heat of the moment, only to break down in tears (after one incident) in regret. He is at once a loving family man, and someone who wouldn't hesitate to gun you down if he even thought you were thinking about crossing him. This is also a Jesse James toward the end of his career, who is increasingly paranoid, depressed, and regretful, and this makes his actions toward the end of the film that much more tragic and compelling.

I thought the real star of the show was Casey Affleck as Bob Ford though. He brilliantly conveys the complex, emotional personality of the 19 year old idolizer of Jesse James. The way he portrays the gushing and blushing kid in the presence of his idol felt so real, and reminded me of how a contemporary teenager might act with his favorite athelete or movie star. The labeling of Ford as a "coward" is a bit of a misnomer though. He was naive, sensitive, and anxious, but he did not lack courage. In the end, he did betray Jesse James, so traitorous might be an accurate description, but he was only labeled as a coward long after the fact because of a resurgence in Jesse James hysteria. Well that, and he did shoot James in the back, but the fact is, he was lauded as a hero for some time, for killing the man who caused so much terror. In any case, Bob Ford is a truly tragic figure, and I also appreciated how the film showed his life after the assassination. I also think one of the more subtle themes is that of the perverseness of American society. There is a certain tragic irony about the idolization of Jesse James, and the demonization of his killer, Bob Ford. So overall, I would say this is a good, intelligent film about a compelling piece of American history. Four stars.

If you are looking for a shoot 'em up cowboy film then keep looking, but if you are looking for a mesmerizing look at the post civil war American psyche then this is your masterpiece. Every shot is a masterpiece of composition; not since Days of Heaven has a cinematographer so expressively captured the forlorn beauty of the American landscape and the American psyche and the intimate bond between the two. Through the magnificent expressionist lens of cinematographer Roger Deakins, every slant of light and shade seem constructed/designed to evoke the immense mystery, and the immense emptiness at the heart of all physical things. The more sensitive the onlooker the more intimate will be the bond between landscape and psyche. This is the poetry, this is the mythos not just of the American western but of American literature. From Hawthorne to Poe to Melville to Emily Dickinson to Ambrose Bierce to William Faulkner to Robert Frost, the stories that take place within the American landscape are inevitably stories of biblical proportions, of men and women struggling to forge something out of the light and the shade.

This is a film about American poetry and mythos. Specifically about the transitional poetry and mythos of America c. 1880, a time when the individual and the nation itself were still suffering the devastating psychic effects of the war; a time when both were desperately in need of a new poetry, a new mythos, a new way to behold the world.

This film is about looking at the way we craft mythos. One way nations have done this is to craft heroes. But its not always the poets that have given us our heroes, sometimes our most effective mythos come from the most unexpected sources. In the 1880's the spinners of far-fetched dime store yarns crafted a hero out of Jesse James. Perhaps because their fictions were more accessible and their heroes more easily understood than were the fictions and the heroes of Melville or Twain, these home-spun yarns were immensely popular. These wildly inventive tall tales captured & shaped young boys imaginations and provided them with someone to emulate because the Jesse James of the dime store novels always knew what to do in every situation, knew how to use his guns but only used them when he had to, and, most of all, he never doubted himself. Jesse James, the fiction, was a new kind of American hero: independent, adventurous, and egalitarian (he robbed from the rich and gave to the poor).

Brad Pitt as outlaw Jesse James is none of these things. This Jesse James is a selfish tyrant who lords it over the other gang members who he treats as servants lucky to be in his company. He is a loner, isolated even from his own brother. He seems to have a deep connection with his wife and children, but perhaps only because they are the only people he knows that do not carry guns. As iconically handsome and ideally suited to play Jesse James as Brad Pitt is, though, the real star here is Casey Affleck who is absolutely fascinating as the forsaken dreamer Robert Ford, a young man who Jesse James reluctantly recruits and even more reluctantly befriends. Ford is also a loner and his understanding/connection with Jesse is predicated on the fact that they each seem utterly alienated from the rest of humanity and singularly suited to provide the other with a discomfitting kind of companionship. Never was a young man more conflicted about his hero than was Ford about James. From the moment that he meets him, Ford is both completely enamoured with and completely disillusioned with his boyhood hero. And Affleck makes Ford's internal conflict absolutely palpable every minute he is onscreen. In James company Ford is boyish and insecure and starstruck and yet capable of unexpected insight and shrewd critique. But, there is a driving motive behind everything that Ford does for he wants nothing more than to step out of the shade to which he feels condemned and into the light that James occupies; though things will not unfold in the way he imagined they would, his wish will eventually come true, but to accomplish this he must do something truly extraordinary himself, and, ironically, the only extraordinary thing he can think to do is to kill his hero Jesse James.

This is ultimately a fascinating film about the constructive and destructive power and effects of the myths we tell and live by. And about how weak a thing is truth next to the overwhelming appeal of a good narrative, especially one sanctioned by public opinion.

"As he stood there, unarmed, with his back to me, it came to me suddenly, 'Now or never is your chance. If you don't get him now he'll get you tonight.' Without further thought or a moment's delay I pulled my revolver and leveled it as I sat. He heard the hammer click as I cocked it with my thumb and started to turn as I pulled the trigger. The ball struck him just behind the ear and he fell like a log, dead."

In a letter to Missouri Governor Thomas Crittenden, Robert Ford uses the above excerpt to describe the fashion in which he murdered the infamous Jesse James, an act which is laboriously but nevertheless fantastically depicted in fledgling writer-director Andrew Dominik's "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford".

"Assassination..." is a slow draw, literally and figuratively. The movie illustrates Robert Ford's childish admiration of the outlaw Jesse James and his desire to become a part of his now disintegrating gang, James looking to retire from a life of crime in the interest of raising his children with an honest living. Worming his way into their last big heist, Robert (Affleck) and his brother Charley (Rockwell) become enticed by a $10,000 bounty placed on James's head and decide to cash in. What they don't count on is mutiny on the bound in the form of Wood Hite, James's cousin and a cocky gunslinger whom is wary of Robert from the moment he appears. Robert is viewed as a stain on the small band and when he and Wood begin to butt heads, a shoot out ensues, leaving Wood in need of a coffin. Now out on the lam for a murder, Robert makes a deal with Missouri Governor Thomas T. Crittenden to be pardoned in exchange for the death of Jesse James. Robert is only happy to do so, his reward not only monetary but his role as executioner of a well-known criminal paving the way for self-generated celebrity. Oddly enough, once the deed is done, a reversal of roles takes place and Jesse, despite his nefarious reputation, is revered while Robert is scorned for his ultimate betrayal of a legendary figure.

The film's lengthy title appropriately serves to represent its extensive duration. At 2 hours and 40 minutes (the original cut was almost four hours - YIKES), half of who sit down to view it will be squirming in their seats and repeatedly checking their watches (or the counter on their DVD player). Things do not happen quickly in this film and if it weren't for the performances from Affleck, Pitt and Rockwell and an excellent screenplay from director Andrew Dominik, it would be lost on most people (not to mention the inevitable incomplete viewings because someone fell asleep or just flat out turned it off because they became wearied by it all). I am of the opinion that it could've used some serious offerings for the cutting room floor; as it is, some scenes are inexplicably long and there are so many pregnant pauses between bits of dialogue that you wish the producer(s) and/or editor(s) would've just cut to the chase instead of letting their actors linger, staring off into space as if they needed a cue. This is by far the most bothersome feature when one views "Assassination..." and should be considered a warning to anyone who prefers movies that roll along at a productive pace.

Other than the above complaints, there is a lot to be enjoyed and appreciated about "Assassination...", starting with Casey Affleck. Affleck has found another interesting role this year, the first of which was a commendable performance in "Gone Baby Gone". His portrayal of Robert's fear as well as inferiority to those around him are palpable; when confronted with the moment his ruse has been exposed to Jesse, his body literally sinks into a chair, face glistening from sweat and fighting off tears as he waits with a blanched face and his heart in his throat for his imminent execution. It's that palpability that had him nearly winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor this year (he lost to Javier Bardem for "No Country For Old Men", indisputably deserved). If he keeps playing his cards right, he'll become a better actor than his brother Ben will ever be (personally, I think he has already surpassed Ben in that department). Perhaps it was meant to be that the elder of the Afflecks made the transition to the director's chair whilst Casey remains burned in the effigy of film, ergo the minds of audiences nationwide.

Pitt has always been an iffy actor but the role of Jesse James seems to suit him and he plays the part well of a man torn by his conviction to protect his own best interests and a man whom is trying to make amends with the past. There is also the implication that James is mentally disquieted, the victim of what could appear to some people to be frightening episodes of bipolar disorder. James even so much as admits this to himself when he says, "I haven't been acting correctly. I can't hardly recognize myself sometimes when I'm greased. I go on journeys out of my body and look at my red hands and my mean face and I wonder about that man who's gone so wrong. I've been becoming a problem to myself." One minute he is maniacally laughing, the next he is staring off into the distance with glazed and melancholy eyes. Pitt is spell-binding in a scene where James goes off the deep end, cackling wildly whilst quietly ruminating his inability to trust Ford - when he suddenly whips out a blade in a blind rage ready to slit Ford's throat, we see just how unpredictable and unstable James has become. This scene only serves to validate his gang's growing fear and/or uncertainty of him and sheds light on the reason why his brother Frank (Shepard) parted ways with him. In a time when mental disorders were little understood, this only serves to explain why James may have been the way he was and why he had become so dangerous to those who knew him.

Sam Rockwell is a memorable supporting role as Charley Ford and despite his happy-go-lucky demeanor he is well aware of Jesse's savage temperament. In the end, out of guilt and self-loathing, he spares himself of the disdain to which his brother Robert is subjected in the only manner he thinks is dignified and just.

Shot largely in different parts of Canada, "Assassination..." was also well deserved of its Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography (cinematographer Robert Elswit won this for "There Will Be Blood"), Roger Deakins capturing the simplistic beauty of Alberta's sprawling hills, fields and forests as well as its brutal but spellbinding winters.

Bottom line: "Assassination..." really requires some patience on a viewer's part. This virtue of virtues will be well rewarded by rich, complex performances by the film's leads and the whole of its supporting cast.

I can't say enough about this near-perfect motion picture. If it is guilty of moving a little slowly in some parts, and (the inevitable critical refrain when shooting a historical picture) taking liberties with supposed fact, then it more than makes up for that in so many other ways. I can only say I hope this team of actors, directors, producers and writers gets together again soon to make another film. This is history, filmmaking, biography, storytelling, and the presentation of the legends of Americana as they all ought to be, and shame on the Academy for slighting this movie at the (increasingly out of touch) Oscars. As along with its pitch-perfect narration and soundtrack it alternates from its slightly fuzzy dreamy quality to its pull-no-punches brand of stark realism, The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford weaves a hypnotic tale as has little else I've ever seen. If anyone thinks to dismiss either Brad Pitt or Casey Affleck as lightweight actors, watch this and learn otherwise. I'd put this on the ten best list of the 2000's thus far. Congratulations to everyone involved in this great classic.

Wow. What a movie. What a look into the minds of a whole band of rouges. Lets not just examine Robert Ford here, but Jesse James as well. This movie shows us a man who has murdered 17 people and committed numerous robberies. This is still a man who is loved and respected...but also feared. Jesse's paranoia and anxiety can resemble Bipolar II. His hypomania is evident as sometimes he is incapable of sitting still and holding meaningful conversations. He also seems to enter serious bouts of severe depression. Its almost as if he realized that he has peaked, and the only thing left is for a younger lion to kill him and take over the pride.

Bob Ford is another story. Casey Affleck is brilliant here and he displays disorganized speech, thought process, and mannerisms. What someone would call "strange" or "odd". What initially begins as praise and admiration qickly turn sour as he feels disenchanted and fearful. After killing Jesse James, he is initially elated, but this soon turns into depression and moodiness. At the conclusion of the film, when he accepts his own fate, he does so without surprise...but rather relief.

This is a well done portrayal of human emotion. The acting is top notch. Many will approach this film expecting action, but instead find a movie which is a discussion into the psychological processes experienced by two of the most infamous characters in American history. The cinematography is some of the best out there. The movie is beautifully shot and the director uses blurry lenses to bring an increased focus to the characters and thier turmoil. Affleck's performance is bolstered by brilliant showings by Brad Pitt, Sam Rockwell, and Mary Louise Parker (Only a handful of lines, but she steals the show). So if you are a fan of character studies, great acting, drama, or film-making at its best; please check out this amazing film.