Director: Andrew Dominik
Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck and Jeremy Renner
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have lit a bright spark as powerfully as Brad Pitt. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Pitt has become a icon. Whether it’s detectives seeking to investigate murders, Formula 1 drivers or fight club owners, Pitt has played several strong characters. Arguably, Pitt’s strength as an actor has always been his commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen-time. Even when he is not the main focus of a movie, Pitt has left an impression. Despite reaching age of retirement, Pitt has never lost his passion for making engaging entertainment. A movie-star with charisma, Pitt has been an icon in Cinema. Throughout his strong career, Pitt has made many bold movies that are definitely worth absolutely talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Pitt and adore all the films he has made. However, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2007, Andrew Dominik’s movie offered a powerful portrait of outlaws. Packed with captivating production, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the greatest westerns ever made. At the centre of it all is an exceptional role by Brad Pitt, who embodies an outlaw. Ultimately, what makes “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most westerns, it tackles strong themes that everyone relates to. A spellbinding western masterpiece, there are several reasons why “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is a movie that’s worth seeing.
“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” tells the story about an outlaw that is adored. Brad Pitt portrays Jesse James, a renowned outlaw that has respectable names. Known as the ‘fastest gun in the West’, James is a famed outlaw that has commonly left his gang impressed. However, James’ life forever changes when he becomes a victim of a terrifying murder. Targeted by his recruit Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), James becomes the victim of an assassination that’s tragic. Robert Ford is an envious gang member that has grown jealous of James. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, James is soon turned into a victim of a gruesome murder. Elevated to mythical status, James’ murder turns him into a renowned figure in the west that’s precious.
Andrew Dominik is a newcomer to westerns. Before he had made “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Ford”, Dominik had never directed a western before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of western outlaws that experience an assassination adversity but he succeeded. Using captivating cinematography, Dominik captures an outlaw embarking on a painful journey. Evoking Sergio Leone’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, Dominik effectively uses point-of-view shots to capture lives of western outlaws which experience adversity. For instance, POV shots elevate the outlaw journey scene. During this engaging scene, Jesse James faces an intense confrontation with members of a gang causing tensions. Using stunning POV shots, Dominik creates a bold portrait of outlaws that’s compelling. POV shots are tricky techniques. As David Fincher’s “Se7en” suggested, point of view shots enhance serial killer films. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using strong visuals, Dominik captures tensions outlaws are facing.
Another bold aspect of “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Robert Ford” which merits recognition is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is well made. Inspired with Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven”, Dominik “ uses costumes to convey tension experienced by outlaws that are unforgiven. Throughout the film, Jesse’s costumes are a symbol demonstrating a strong personality. For instance, costumes elevate the murder scene. During this intense scene, Jesse is killed in a terrifying assassination. Through stunning costumes, Dominik constructs a portrait of outlaws that’s riveting. Moreover, the musical score is dazzling. Nick Cave’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the burden that outlaws bear. Using strong production, Dominik captures outlaws that face tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is a western which is engaging. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture the lives of outlaws which are affected by violence. For instance, silence enhances the murder aftermath scene. During this unforgettable scene, Robert Ford faces guilt following his choice to commit murder. Through silence, Dominik creates a portrait of outlaws that audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As David Fincher’s “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” suggested, silence enhances films about aging. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Though a powerful screenplay, Dominik captures outlaws experiencing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Brad Pitt delivers one of his finest career performances as Jesse James. Pitt first earned appreciation for playing owners of fight clubs in psychological thrillers. With “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”, however, Pitt took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to play an outlaw experienced adversity but he pulls it off successfully. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most iconic role. With riveting expressions, he conveys the angst, bravery and grief experienced by an outlaw facing tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most beloved actors working today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Brad Pitt, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of appreciation. Casey Affleck is fantastic, capturing the heroic nature of an assassin that commits murders which are tragic. Sam Rockwell is superb, bringing a sense of authority to an outlaw that has a story to tell showing strong desire to excel. Lastly, Jeremy Renner merits appreciation. As a brave ranger, he brings courage to the movie.
Finally, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” would earn the praise of everyone for capturing the lives of outlaws that are adored. Unlike most films about western outlaws, it tackles powerful themes everyone would relate to. It tackles strong themes including ambition, mental health and betrayal which would resonate among everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of westerns to appreciate it. Therefore, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is one of those rare westerns everyone will adore.
Fans of Brad Pitt would definitely appreciate “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” and so will audiences seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting western, it honours an actor that deserves celebration.
Nearly 20 years following the release of an iconic film about an ill fated outlaw that is tragically assassinated, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated actor that has never lost ability to leave audiences captivated by manufacturing memorable movies which deserve without a doubt to be absolutely celebrated.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 