THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD. film with Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Mary-Louise Parker, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel, Sam Shepard and Paul Schneider. Directed by Andrew Dominik. (Olive Schreiner Hall, June 26 at 10pm and July 5 at 10pm).
Reviewed by Catherine Richards
JUST like the title The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford the film is both boring and drawn out. A typical action western this is not. Rather, it is a character drama that surrounds the private life and public exploits of America’s most notorious outlaw, Jesse James (played by Brad Pitt).
The film takes place in Missouri In 1881, where the young Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), who’s idolised Jesse James since childhood, tries hard to join the reforming gang of the Missouri outlaw, but gradually becomes resentful of the bandit leader Jesse James.
The film focuses on the unusual relationship between Ford and James, which becomes deadly as Ford’s appetite for fame and glory grows.
The film is very dialogue heavy and as far as a typical western of gun-slinging goes, there is hardly a whiff of smoke from the barrel of a gun.
The film is beautifully shot in a narrative style and the cinematography is breathtaking but that still doesn’t make up for the three hours of boredom. The only exciting part of the film is Casey Affleck, who deserved his Oscar nomination for this role.
Tags: film review; western
