The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Directed by: Andrew Dominik

Written by: Andrew Dominik (screenplay), Ron Hansen (novel)

There exists a large division between art films and star-powered features. "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" manages to exist in the small area where the two can overlap. It's also amazing that the film is thoroughly entertaining despite the fact that the title gives away the outcome of the film.

Facing the end of his career, Jesse James (Pitt) takes in Robert Ford (Affleck) as part of his gang for his last few robberies, though it turns out that Ford has an unhealthy obsession with James's mythology. Later, as James's cautiousness deteriorates into paranoia, Ford is presented with an opportunity to collect a large reward to assassinate his hero.

This movie is big and grand, both in terms of its scope and in terms of its story. The movie may have bitten off more than it could chew - but most importantly, it feels that way.

Stylistically, the film is impressive. It's beautiful. The story is beautiful, the acting is beautiful, the cinematography is beautiful. It's all beautiful. But, even with all that beauty, it manages to maintain the grit and grime of the time period. It feels like the 1800s.

The performances of both Pitt and Affleck are fantastic, as has been discussed elsewhere. Pitt is especially powerful, given the limited amount of screen time he is given. He manages to evoke the overpowering presence of Jesse James, which is no easy feat.

The length of the film does become a bit of an issue. In the attempt to make a deep, full story with a trove of great characters, the story stretches on a bit. There are a few subplots and stories which, although great, could have been pared down. (But who am I to play editor, eh?)

I wanted to like this movie, but the actual experience was less than I had hoped. But on reflection, I can say that I enjoyed it more than I originally wanted to give it credit for. It's a decent western, but a much better character study.

I recommend it, if you like it. If you don't like it, don't say I didn't warn you.