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Movie: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Director: Andrew Dominik
Actors: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, Mary-Louise Parker, Sam Shepard, Paul Schneider
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Jesse James was one of America's first bona fide celebrities. Press and 'tabloids' covered the outlaw's violent adventures on a regular basis, in which the story's content was more fictional than fact-based. Jesse James manipulated the press, and turned his persona into a national hero, a Robin Hood who lived by his own rules, a symbol of freedom and the American spirit.
The sudden end of the life of Jesse James shocked the country. One of his gang members, Robert Ford, was the one who pulled the trigger and shot his leader in the back. Robert Ford was known as a young man who adored Jesse James. He didn't want to be like Jesse James, he wanted to be him. What happened the moments before the death of Jesse James? Author Ron Hansen wrote a novel about it, which was adapted by director Andrew Dominik. Brad Pitt not only played the lead, he also acted as producer. Casey Affleck (Ben's little brother) portrayed the role of the coward Robert Ford.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, the long title reveals it, revolves around Jesse James murder, done by Robert Ford. The film avoids to be one big blazing guns western but really turns into a true character study instead. Why did Robert Ford pull the trigger? Why did Jesse James allowed Ford to become so close, 'cause the outlaw was very cautious. He didn't trust anybody and always made sure his tracks were covered. The movie fascinates with analyzing the characters' motivations. Dominik also makes sure the film stays very authentic and very realistic. No breathtaking landscapes or tough men on horses. The visuals are gritty, the men aren't wearing cowboy hats because the story is set in a Victorian, post Civil War period. Pitt and Affleck prepared well for the roles. Especially Casey Affleck does an excellent job with portraying the complicated character of Robert Ford.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford becomes a bit of a drag due to it's runtime of 160 minutes and it gets a bit hard to stay focused when the end is near. But that doesn't diminish the fact that Andrew Dominik delivered a very original western with powerful visuals and a character driven story. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford offers a very interesting perspective on the legend of Jesse James.
Written by Reggy 05/11/07
© warner bros 2007
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