Film Review: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Liverpool Daily Post

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, (Cert.15, 160 mins),
Stars: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Renner, Paul Schneider, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel
Directed by Andrew Dominik

IF BRAD PITT lassos his first Oscar nomination as Best Actor for his portrayal of the eponymous outlaw in Andrew Dominik’s drama, it will be at the expense of an even better performance.

Co-star Casey Affleck, who portrays James’s historically-maligned assassin, blows Pitt off screen with a performance of such intensity, it quite literally takes your breath away.

The year is 1881, the final year of 34-year-old Jesse’s life, and the James Gang continues to strike back at the Union by robbing banks and railroad owners.

Jesse is initially flattered by Bob’s attentions, but soon grows concerned by the young man’s fixation.

Hero worship molders into jealousy, as Bob realises he can never woo public affection like his idol.

So, when authorities propose a new plan of action, Bob tentatively steps forward.

This film is a visually arresting tale of obsession and betrayal, melding an A-list cast with New Zealand director Dominik’s arthouse sensibilities.

Roger Deakins’s cinematography and Patricia Norris’s production design create some truly unforgettable images while Hugh Ross’s prosaic narration enriches the unfolding drama, providing greater insight to the characters’ strained emotions.

Closing scenes, as Jesse senses Bob’s murderous intent and coolly remarks "I guess I’ll take my guns off, for fear the neighbours might spot them," before walking to his doom, expose the vulnerability of a rebel who lived and died in a blaze of glory.