The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)'s comments

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Film-Asylum

The cinematography is mesmerising. I was actually distracted from the plot at some points admiring the photography and the shot compositions.

11 years 1 month ago

Earring72

Interesting western drama, well acted but lacks excitement and becomes a bit boring

9 years 4 months ago

Lethargic and ponderous, but aching, much like Pitt's depiction of the main character, shifting between bouts of ugliness and resigned depression in a kind of mania that only shatters the specter of his own cult. Casey Affleck is equally amazing as the nobody pathetically trying to set his legacy in stone, in a kind of rageful sorrow with quivering lip, and only to end up re-enacting his fate as a kind of Greek tragedy. Add in some cold landscapes, melancholic music, and you have a pretty damn good film, though it does indeed drag at times from a foregone conclusion (though I enjoyed the narration), and most of the rest of the cast often seem to be foils to be gradually, suddenly picked off, so this falls just short of a grand recommendation - but then again, that's what this 'Western as life metaphor' seeks to do - crush the egos of men under the hypocritical steamroller of cultural legend. Hell, the scenes in the theater and bar at the conclusion could not serve as a more apt metaphor. This film isn't about where you end up, but how you get there, so adjust expectations to enjoy the journey.

11 years 6 months ago

RandomBeast

Some of the most careful, poetic cinematography you will ever see and a truly remarkable tale to boot.

14 years 5 months ago

Rdgz_Dust_Speck

Casey Affleck and Brad Pitt are stunning, with natural performances. It's a dark, psychological western, with a darker ending. It's long and slow, but that's not bad: it's better, it gives us the chance to appreciate every moment, every detail, with scenes of great tension. Better than expected, and highly recommendable.

12 years ago

myfajahas400children

Beautiful movie, although it did move pretty slow at times.

12 years 9 months ago

vishnu

perfect cinematography!

13 years 5 months ago

jhhayes

I wish more people would see this film! It grossed barely half its budget during its run. This is unbelievable. Fantastic performances, great screenplay, naturally poetic dialogue, and beautiful cinematography. An awesome addition to the western genre. It's so good, it will be enjoyed by those that dislike western films. Future classic.

9 years 7 months ago

Maxahlia

It stays in the back of your mind even after it's over. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck were both great and the music is just perfect.

11 years 10 months ago

CarlyK

Casey Affleck. A-mazing. I knew Brad Pitt was amazing so no surprise there, but Affleck just blew me away.

12 years 3 months ago

StevieNL

Beautiful film, although I can imagine some people might feel that it's too long or too boring. It kept me thrilled for the entire ride though.

12 years 9 months ago

justinedelson

I thought Pitt's acting was excellent.

13 years 8 months ago

Siskoid

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford recounts the last days of the James Gang and feels like a fatalistic dirge for both of the title's characters. Instead of the elation you find in normal westerns because of their action scenes, you find a portrait of depression and anxiety, and though during the film I might have sometimes felt like it was all too long at 2 hours and 40 minutes, then questioned the post-Jesse James material, I found myself weeping as the credits rolled by. Part of it is the release of tension, seeing as both the title and the narration (well chosen language from the novel) do not hide the inevitability of what is to happen - suspense is built on seeing the pieces move toward that inexorable position - and part of it is just the sadness of men who regret their murders and betrayals even as they commit them. And the whole thing has some stunning cinematography thanks to the always superlative Roger Deakins; I knew I was in the hands of a master during that early train robbery. Wow. A stark eulogy not only for the piece's characters, but for the era of American legends.

6 years 12 months ago

fonz

Masterfully crafted, there is not a single dull frame to flicker across the screen. The music is intoxicating, the performances are enrapturing, the photography divine. Every subsequent viewing of this grossly overlooked masterpiece increases my appreciation for it.

8 years 2 months ago

pertazeta

Amazing soundtrack by Nick Cave & Warren Ellis

8 years 11 months ago