|
 The
Assassination of Jessie James By The Coward Robert Ford
(Theatrical - 2007)
Warner / 2007
Director: Andrew Dominik
Writer: Andrew Domink & Ron Hansen
Cast: Brad Pitt, Mary-Louise Parker, Sam Rockwell, Casey
Affleck & Sam Shepard
Review by Phillip Escott
Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) has been an admirer of the
legendary bandit, Jessie James (Brad Pitt) since he was a
young boy. When his brother, Charley (Sam Rockwell) becomes
part of the James Gang, Robert gets the opportunity to meet
his idol. Befriending the outlaw and becoming part of the
gang, Robert realizes that his idol isn’t what he had
created in his mind over the years. The young mans obsessive
love soon turns to a bitter resent and the outcome is well
documented.
Andrew Dominik’s follow up to his fantastic Chopper, has
taken a long, long time, but I’ll be; it was worth it! This
haunting little number will linger in your mind long after
it’s finished. From Nick Cave’s beautiful score to Roger
Deakin’s fantastic cinematography, every aspect of the film
has been worked on by a master craftsman, and it shows. The
film also boasts some mesmerizing performances; Casey
Affleck makes the film his own and embarrasses any other
actor who unfortunately has to share screen time with him,
his tragic and frightening turn deserves the Oscar
nomination it has generated. Sam Rockwell also impresses as
his older, simpler brother Charley, who helps deliver some
humor and added sadness.
Pitt also does a brilliant job as Jesse James. He plays the
sociopath well, showing the man’s vulnerability and his
brutality, his cock-sure with his insecurity. It could have
fallen apart with a lesser actor, but Pitt is able to carry
it almost flawlessly; biggest down point being his Early
Grayce mannerisms that crop up when he gets loud and brash –
anyone familiar with his earlier film, Kalifornia, will see
this.
The Assassination of Jesse James… is more than just an
autobiography of two conflicted personalities. It’s also an
interesting look on the affects of fame and celebrity, and
to a certain extent – media. Even though it’s set in the
late 1800’s the message still conveys perfectly to a modern
audience; if not more so. |
