The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - REVIEW

2007's two major westerns, 3:10 to Yuma and "Jesse James" both open with robberies. The similarities end there. The polar opposite of "3:10 To Yuma" as a western, The Assassination of Jesse James is a slower, more thoughtful, and near action less film that prefers psychological analysis over gunfights. Though it runs at an audience annihilating 2 hrs and 4o mins (much like Zodiac) it is constantly absorbing. However, unlike Zodiac, Jesse James (fantastically directed by newcomer Andrew Dominick) it isn't filled with details to keep you interested. So then how does it keep you interested? A whole array of things ranging from the hypnotic music to the stunning and softly shot scenery to Casey Affleck's spellbinding performance as Jesse James' killer. That's right; Ben Affleck's little brother is actually a pretty damn talented actor. From the time he first appears on screen there is something oddly captivated about him...for the audience. His strange voice leaves you unsure if he's slightly deranged or if he's just a weirdo. As Frank James (older brother of Jesse) remarks after his encounter with Bob Ford, "you give me the willies. Get out of here." From there on, it's a journey that shows us how Bob, a devoted fan of Jesse James (or at least, the Jesse James from stories...) comes to turn on him so he can finally be someone noteworthy and not "always the baby". The film's other title charcter, Jesse James himself might actually get less screen time than Bob Ford, and yet everyone's calling Casey Affleck a lock for best supporting actor. huh? Anyways, Mr. Jolie does a very nice job as Jesse James, particularly in the way he explores the notion/s that James was a bit mentally unbalanced. In one scene, when interrogating a young boy as to the whereabouts of his uncle (a traitor who Jesse was determined to find and kill) he drags the young boy off and beats him, threatening to rip his ear off (um.....ouch?). The boy kicks him off and Jesse, for some reason, releases his grip. As Jesse and his partner proceed to leave, Jesse leans against his horse, visibly in tears. He makes Jesse James a formidable presence; this is not a man you EVER want to cross. However, though his character's name appears first in the title, it's still Affleck's show, whether he's supporting, lead, or co-lead. The scenes leading up to the actual assassination are perfectly executed, with frequent cuts back to Affleck's twitching eyes and sensitive face. I can easily sympathize with those who just found this to be a gorgeous 3 hour snooze, but for me, it's just phenomenal. I only have two complaints. The first is Mary Louise-Parker, who blows her big chance to make the most out of a thankless role with some pretty cringe inducing crying and moaning. The second is the omniscient narrator, who at times summarizes psychological developments among the characters, limiting the chance/s for more depth and emotional heft to be added. This isn't the type of movie that get's you sympathizing for one character or another, it just simply lets you marvel at these extraordinary (though I have no idea how factual the film is) events through a clear looking glass, both figuratively and literally. The breakdown:

1. Acting: good from everyone except Affleck and Louise Parker. He is fantastic. She is anything but. The same way Elizabeth Berridge was the weak link in "Amadeus", she is the weak link here. I was tempted to shout, "you're in a movie with Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck's kid brother, you can't afford to be weak!!!"


2. Direction: also fantastic. I have no idea which arsty foreign director Mr. Dominick is mimicking in his style, but it's a great choice.


3. Writing: superb, save for the occasional narrations, which were hit and miss.

4. Production Values: stunning. The cinematography does some great things with light and a limited color pallette and is the real standout. Costumes are great but since they rely on so much black, white, and brown, it's hard for them to be noticed against Elizabethan dresses and exotic pirate clothing.


5. Music: hypnotic, though I don't know how well it would hold up if I listened to it by itself.

Le verdict....




Grade: A

Current Nominations: Best Picture (#2) Best Director - Andrew Dominik (#3), Best Leading Actor - Brad Pitt (#4), Best Supporting Actor - Casey Affleck (#1 WINNER ) Best Adapted Screenplay (#1 WINNER) Best Cinematography (#2), Best Costume Design (#4). I might throw in an editing nomination....but only maybe.....