The Assassination of Jesse James

2007 • 159 minutes

About this movie

The names ricochet through Western lore. Jesse James (Brad Pitt) was the most notorious outlaw of his time, wanted by the law in 10 states yet celebrated as a Robin Hood in newspapers and dime novels. Teenaged Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) idolized Jesse, sought his friendship, rode with him. It wasn't enough. The up-and-comer wanted his shot at fame. And when he got it, he took it. Pitt gives a volcanic, charismatic performance as Jesse in this saga of celebrity and obsession adapted from Ron Hansen's historical novel by director Andrew Dominik (Chopper). "They're all lies," Jesse says of the stories surrounding him. A deeper, more human truth awaits in this ambitious and stirring epic film. MPAA Rating: R (c) 2007 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.

Ratings and reviews

Beautiful cinematography mingled with constipated actors, who seemed to struggle with every word as if they were in pain. This movie was peculiarly awkward, as if everyone in the late 1800's spoke slowly, and struggled with the English language. Bob Ford, in particular, was presented as an imbecile who could only speak in cumbersome, unwieldy sentences and who seemed embarrassed or uncomfortable in every social setting imaginable (really, would you hire this uncommunicative, goof-ball to run your grocery store?). If Jesse James chose to make Bob Ford--at least the Bob Ford that was imagined in this movie--a part of his gang, then he truly wasn't the evil, outwitting, trigger-happy villain we thought. But rather, a bumbling coward, who chose another bumbling coward to deliver his death sentence. This was truly a remarkably weird movie--a noteworthy plot cluttered with excellent actors who were told to forget everything they know about how humans really interact.

Exceptional film, damn near perfect cinematography, stellar acting, and a theme that is relevant to today's fan culture. Although I'd see why some would find this film slow and boring. The film takes more time with the characters, with around 2-3 action scenes throughout the almost 3 hour runtime that last a little less than a few seconds. Criminally under-rated movie.

Not for everyone since it can be very slow and atmospheric, but personally I never had a problem with it and I have horrible ADD. Beautiful, well written, well acted and just an all around incredible movie.