I confess honestly, recently I rarely comment and review films released before 2022 - it is more interesting to write about novelties that are serial, that feature-length format. But the other day I was really lucky – I managed quite by chance to “run” at a real unsung masterpiece, the pearl of cinema, for reasons that I do not understand personally, which at one time passed the big screens of Russia.
In fact, a very, very long time wanted to see the film screenwriter and director Andrew Dominic (and in fact the producer and performer of the leading role of Brad Pitt) “How the cowardly Robert Ford killed Jesse James” (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, 2007), but somehow all the time for several years it was to this tape that hands did not reach, then more interested in other films.
But a recent viewing of Dominic's tape showed how wrong I was, constantly delaying the moment of acquaintance with this film. Possessing an impressive sweeping timekeeping (as much as 160 minutes, and in fact about half of the film was knifed in the editing room), the film reveals in quite detail another gangster story of a real gangster living in America during the Civil War, a bandit whose name has become a real folk legend. And his story is revealed as a full-fledged large-scale tragedy, in some ways (forgive me blind fans of Puzo and Coppola) comparable to the tragedy and scale of the beloved “Godfather”. Another thing is that unlike the aforementioned classics, mass attention and love "How cowardly Robert Ford killed Jesse James" did not win.
But it is worth watching this movie, and immediately you begin to realize the reason for its cult status in narrow circles. How Cowardly Robert Ford Killed Jesse James attracts not only the superbly spelled dramatic story of the legendary bandit, who here is not just a bandit - the script gives space for the disclosure of this character, in fact the entire film is devoted to his majestic figure, which will be discussed later. The main thing is that both this hero and his antagonist are in constant emotional and moral development, but both are ambiguous characters.
How Cowardly Robert Ford Killed Jesse James is not the kind of movie that will attract Western action fans with a spectacular action-drive script. This is a drama, slow, emotional, but still incredibly spectacular, no matter how amazing it may sound. Invited in the film brilliant cameraman Roger Deakins, 16 times nominated for an Oscar (including this movie) and won twice, here is not just a film. He is actually engaged in real painting, he paints with a frame, as if animating the most beautiful landscapes of American nature and province. Yes, Deakins has repeatedly delighted us in Mind Games, Marines, No Country for Old Men, Al Valley, Iron Arm, Skyfall, and especially in The Killer and the sequel to Blade Runner. The creator impressed us, ordinary viewers, and American film academics with his brilliant work in 1917. But it was his creation, the real art of cinematography, that really fascinated me in this film. In fact, at any time you can put the film on pause - and you are not looking at a movie frame, but actually a full-fledged picture, a picturesque work of art. The way he shoots snow-covered forest landscapes, mountain ranges, the silhouette of the protagonist in the night haze - an incredible beauty spectacle, slightly muted by a slight defocus or vignetting ... And how he majestically shoots in all these incredibly picturesque shots of the protagonist - as if playfully moving away from the stunning landscapes to perhaps the best portraits of Brad Pitt, showing himself as a truly universal artist, and making the main character almost mythical and incredibly majestic, as if almost a biblical figure, together with the screenwriter and performer of the title role, turning Jesse James from a bandit into a kind of martyr, as if he knew about his finale, and deliberately approaching him to save others.
Here I want to praise Brad Pitt, who won the Volpi Cup for this role and repeatedly admitted that Jesse James is his best role. The artist incredibly majestic and soulful plays this role, gives free rein to the emotions of his hero, which come from the depths of the actor himself, who sincerely laughs and just as sincerely cries. He fills his character with characteristic and soulful depth, he humanizes him, he lives his sad life in this melancholy film. His character, at first seemed to be a simple gang leader, grows from a bandit into some semi-mythical creature of incredible spiritual beauty, which seems to be admired by both the authors of the picture (which comes through from some dialogues, camera admiration of the hero and from the game of Pitt himself), and the characters. Even the fact that after the climactic episode, Dominic, it would seem, for some reason, continues the narrative - doing it only to convey the tragedy of the moment for which this film was made.
On the pick-up of the main star and producer of the picture – today it is all famous artists. Ben's cousin, Casey Affleck in one of his first major roles, portrays a stupid, sometimes repulsive and very unpleasant character, but portrays him believably, authentically, emotionally. Sam Rockwell, Paul Schneider, Mary-Louise Parker, Sam Shepherd and future star Jeremy Renner are very pleased with interesting secondary images (Renner is especially charismatic here).
It is a pity that in our time expensive pop-corn rides and endless sequels of such works of cinema are practically not made, they are very lacking. Cinema has finally gone into business schemes and projects, a real miracle is possible only under the guidance of aging classic enthusiasts, or on streaming services and serial platforms. But you appreciate the real works of cinema even more.
10 out of 10
Unfortunately, the title of the film is the most important spoiler. You can delve into the film, feel the depth of emotions and motivation of different characters, but from the very beginning of the viewing, the viewer knows what Robert Ford will do. Western and crime presented the story of the famous American criminal Jesse James, who carefully planned his robberies and was always distinguished by the steadfastness and skill of his case.
But the film will not focus on the adventures of robbers, and will take us into the difficult life of the gang Jesse. The amazing Brad Pitt on the screen worked a miracle. It was enough for him to just look at the camera, and it is not that the heroes in the film heart fluttered, the audience felt the power. Keep the whole gang in check, involve their relatives in it and glorify the legend, according to which they will write books, and boys who do not understand the seriousness of crimes will imitate Jesse and try to resemble him. That's one such fan joining Jesse's gang.
Robert Ford is a weak, quiet, cowardly kid who found himself next to an idol. Our attention is admiration, joy and simply the inability to believe in a miracle. Just imagine if your idol takes you to his company, and you have a roof blowing (in a decent sense). The depth of the fan’s feelings is striking, there is a very thin line between initiative and obsession, when anyone will climb to the place, as long as your “God” draws attention to you.
At the heart of the whole picture, Robert’s relationship with the whole team is strengthened, since his brothers have long been in the gang, then there is a kind of hierarchy between the gang members, but not everyone likes everything. Envy and the desire to walk generate rotten feelings of the human soul. Brilliantly comes the reincarnation of Robert from a mad fanatic, then a thinking person, when you get to know the person you always dreamed about, strange feelings wrap around. Thanks to a team of bandits: from kind guys to fiercely hated, Ford realizes his place in this society.
What caused the sharpness and change of priorities? Why did the turning point last so long? When a good fraction of the time disappears for viewing, you understand that it is long, it was necessary to somehow reduce the timing, on the other hand, you blame yourself, because then you would not be able to convey all the contradictory feelings of the victim. Subtly and skillfully, the reincarnation of cowardly Robert Ford takes place. Should he be tried for that? You have to find out for yourself. Be careful not to overestimate your opinion of others.
Brilliant work directed by Andrew Dominic, if not for all viewers. This is not a typical adventure western. This is a powerful drama based on fanaticism. A traumatic experience gives the viewer the answer not how, but why the cowardly Robert Ford killed Jesse James. Brave Brad Pitt only makes it harder, but I didn't like Casey Affleck. The actor himself is kind of dull, behind the shadow of brother Ben can be like this, but he seems to be missing something. Playing a poor character is just that. Heavy, sensitive and profound picture only for the prepared viewer.
It has always been believed among men that there is no greater evil than betrayal and no greater vice than cowardice. Even if you are a notorious villain who does not regret life, you will still be despised less than the one who committed betrayal. In Dante’s Divine Comedy, traitors are at the very bottom of hell, and the most famous of them, Judas, Brutus and Cassius, are devoured by Lucifer, who betrayed God himself. Betrayal formed the basis of the story of Jesse James and Robert Ford. Generations of Americans have grown up thinking of Jesse as a noble bandit who robbed the rich to give their wealth to the poor, and Bob as the coward who killed Jesse while he stood with his back.
But it's just a legend. The film How the cowardly Robert Ford killed Jesse James debunks this legend, showing that Jesse and Bob were people who were terribly afraid of their fate. We don't see Jesse in the nobility that the songs say. Instead, we see a murderer in love with the romantic myth of himself as a legendary criminal: Self-love has my sight, it has penetrated into my blood and flesh. And if there is a means on earth that I could overcome this weakness - from the mouth of brother Jesse we hear Shakespeare's sonnet, and Jesse himself we see in a blurred haze in which you can see his fuzzy silhouette. Jesse understands that his charisma, his ardor and temper, his talent and gift, even in the name of the great goal of defending the honor of a southerner, are destructive and bring people sorrow, and he himself suffers. He seeks death as the only outcome that can free himself and the people around him.
Towards the end of the film, we are allowed to look at Bob, who returns to his memories as a young man who still dreams of becoming a new legend that will eclipse the legend of Jesse James. We do not see in this Bob a coward, we do not see a traitor, we see a man who is increasingly beset by the tragic mistakes of his youth. A man with a tormented soul, a doomed future and past, a man with a living heart. This man is hidden behind the bad reputation that haunts him everywhere, for others - he is only the dark side of the legend of Jesse James.
The film destroys that legend. But at the same time he creates a new one: we will never know what the real Jesse James and Bob Ford were like, but those Jesse and Bob who appear on the screen are infused with a romantic spirit of tragic fatality and almost mystical intimacy. They seem to reflect each other: a scene in which Bob tells Jesse how they are similar, from height to eye color. At first glance, this scene is about Bob - just a mimicking shadow of Jesse, over whom everyone is teasing, but the play of looks and the prophetic story of Jesse about friend Sheppard - speaks of the interweaving of their fates, each of which is the reverse side of another fate. The fate is not of legends, but only of people who made tragic mistakes following their dreams.
The state of the characters is reflected in the nature around them. How cowardly Robert Ford killed Jesse James - a film in which a significant role is given to the environment: fields flooded with the setting sun, smoke in the night, which is illuminated by the lanterns of a walking train playing in the light of dust in wooden houses, an icy lake surrounded by cold snowy mountains. But not only do we see this environment, we hear it: there are a lot of background sounds in the film, which are given much attention - a barely audible song that someone sings, the hum of the train on the tracks, the singing of birds and crickets, the rustle of ears in the fields. Nature breathes around the heroes, accepting their states and reflecting them in itself, foreshadowing and predicting their tragic fates. One of the most memorable scenes is when Jesse follows Ed and talks about the stars. While the heroes wander through the night darkness among the winter trees, there are many sounds around them: the snorting of a horse, the unhurried trampling of its hooves, the clanging of reins and the gloomy, omenable death rustle of icy branches, and then the deafening sound of a shot. All this is accompanied by the melancholy-fatal piano melody “Counting the Stars”. In the end, we will not see the stars themselves, but remembering this scene – they always appear – cold, distant, as if outside the living world.
How cowardly Robert Ford killed Jesse James - wonderfully recreates the romance of the Western: steam trains, a lot of fabric and wood, the nature of the American South, horses, fields, hats, cigars, antique cameras and household utensils. The screen recreates a world where legends are born. But this is a tragic world. Perhaps because true to honor, aristocracy, tradition, and the true American spirit, the South lost to the North, in which the dominance of banks and commodity-money exchange blurs the boundaries of human relations and cultural identity. And people like Jesse James were broken by this defeat, creating legends around them where they became heroes and villains at the same time. And perhaps because at the heart of every legend lies an ordinary man with his vices, virtues, fears, hopes and dreams. And this man faithfully follows the predestination of his own destiny.
How Cowardly Robert Ford Killed Jesse James is a psychological western.
A young guy named Robert Ford from childhood was a fan of a notorious criminal who trades in robbery, Jesse James. There are crazy legends about Jesse. He's ruthless and harsh. Some call him a noble thief, others a complete criminal. Robert Ford was lucky enough to get into Jesse's gang, which will mark the beginning of the infamous events. And these events are quite real and historically reliable, almost.
The strange title of the film is no reason to ignore it. After watching, you understand why we immediately reveal the final twist. A less catchy title, of course, would help the viewer "surprise." But our title gives +10 points to the psychological drama that unfolds here.
The first half of the film feels like a documentary. We are told about James' life, his deeds and character. In the second half, when we outlined all the characters, the main story begins. This is a melancholy psychological drama that constantly presses on the viewer with its calmness. Against the background, sad motifs sound, yellow grass breaks and snow falls serenely. You feel the wind blowing or you feel the crunchy snow under your feet.
This is a very beautiful and atmospheric movie. I felt like it was even more enjoyable to watch in the cinema. A big screen, loud noises and a grainy picture will increase the effect, and then you will go outside and exhale with relief. But that's all my feelings.
The film itself fits into a special and difficult mood when you want to sit in the field and look at the clouds. There's nothing dynamic about the movie. It does not accelerate, but only keeps one constant speed. There are almost no shootings or chases. It's a monotonous movie, but in a good sense. If the movie seems boring to you, it is better to stop watching it right away.
I was happy with the picture and fell under the “mood”. I was bought with an atmosphere. The plot constantly jumps forward, briefly telling about different events. But sometimes it takes time to figure out who the cousin and matchmaker are. The structure of the narrative is a little scary. But the movie is worth watching. And the cast is attractive. Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck's younger brother, Sam Rockwell (who you've seen a hundred times, but don't remember his name) and even Hawkeye, if anyone likes him. I advise, but be careful.
' How Cowardly Robert Ford Killed Jesse James 39
This film, unfortunately, passed by the bulk of the audience. In America, it failed, in Russia it did not even appear on the big screen. I came across it quite by accident, scrolling through the filmography of one of the actors. And, my God, it felt like a forehead hit the wall, so much it was 'my'.
Don’t be fooled by the title, it’s not a western or a criminal adventure, even if the main character is a famous bandit. This is the strongest, stunningly deep drama, shot talentedly, virtuosoly, stylishly, painfully beautiful.
The famous raider Jesse James was killed by a snotty boy Bobby Ford. This historical fact is included in the title of the picture. The question is how he did it.
So, Jesse James is 34. Most of his former friends and accomplices are dead or in prison, he is sick, old wounds are making themselves felt. In mental terms, too, everything is not very - wolf instinct is replaced by paranoia, the former desperate courage - outbursts of aggression and unhealthy fun.
During this period, Bobby appears in his gang - a complexed romantic young man, for whom the youngest of the Jameses is an idol and idol.
The idol, however, frankly mocks his fan, and Bobby himself eventually begins to understand that under the romantic flair, which envelopes Jesse with a light hand of the media, hides a wool wolf. Worship is replaced by fear, hatred and, paradoxically, envy. Because Jesse is still good. Smart, charismatic, bright and, most importantly, famous all over America. And Robert of those that ' no one and no name ' and so, as history shows, and will remain forever.
Actually, there is no murder as such. Bob had no chance of killing Jesse if he didn't want to. There is a cross between execution and suicide.
Jesse gradually comes to the idea that he is doomed, there is an endless hunt for him, the circle narrows. There are no more loyal friends with whom he began his ' ideological ' raids. Even my brother left him. The gang has to recruit a real rabble who is not something to trust, with whom there is nothing to talk about. He was tired of hiding, tired of himself, realizing that in the end either a gallows or a bullet is waiting for him in front of him.
And Jesse personally prepares the last play called ' The murder of Jesse James by cowardly Robert Ford'.
He methodically leads the Ford brothers, especially leaning on emotional Bob, to an ineradicable panic in front of him, to the idea that the only way to survive is to kill him.
He gives Bob a new gun. So that everything will work out without a misfire.
And then. ..
A man who suspected everyone and everything, and even in the bathroom did not part with a gun, suddenly removes his weapon, turns his back on those whom he does not trust a penny and slowly goes to the picture.
Then he also slowly rises to the chair, as if the scaffold was rising. He sees the reflection of his killer in the glass and makes no attempt to escape.
Shot and Jesse is a legend. Robert Ford is a cowardly murderer.
The film is about the depth of the fall, about collapsed dreams, about fear and worship and, as it does not sound banal, about the struggle of light and darkness in man.
Director and operator of genius, the actors so organically fit into the images that, it seems, really lived the lives of their heroes.
Brad Pitt, whom I couldn’t forgive for a long time 'Troy', is unique in this film. He took me back to the days of ' Fight Club' and ' 12 monkeys' all the way back to when he was my favorite. He always knew how to convey the most complex symbiosis of emotions with just a look, but in no other film he has not frightened me so much.
Casey Affleck was a perfect Bob Ford. Scared, strange, insecure, always mumbled and doing everything wrong - played just brilliantly.
Sam Rockwell, (Charlie Ford) - I've unfortunately only seen him in 'The Green Mile' - is an undoubted talent. A very sincere and whole character turned out, sometimes funny, sometimes pathetic, but clearly sympathetic.
And finally, the charming Paul Schneider is such a high-class cast of this film.
The voice of the narrator behind the scenes creates the feeling that you are reading a book, and the seasoning for everything is an amazing musical accompaniment.
In fact, the film is a real work of art. It seems to me, or rather, I hope that one day it will take its rightful place among the masterpieces of world cinema.
The entire crew is sincerely grateful for this film.
Did you kill him? No, the revolver accidentally fired.
Fear. That's what drove Robert Ford. Fear makes people tell the truth. Fear is one of the causes of defeat. Fear is what drives people to do unthinking things. Honestly, there’s no word to describe this movie, you have to see it. Seeing the duration of the film, the viewer will think that this is another boring film, but hold your horses, do not judge the book by the cover. Jesse James died, and rose again, in books and songs, in plays, and in movies, like Jesus. Robert Ford, as you guessed it, took the role of Judas, than signed the death sentence.
10 out of 10
How Cowardly Robert Ford Killed Jesse
The Jesse James murder film is one of the best, if not the best representative of a modern Western. It is worthy of no less attention than ' Old men here is no place ' (old men here is not a place also Western) Coen brothers.
The story of Jesse James is not necessarily known before watching the film, the story is not so much about himself, but about the premises of the murder and the murder itself.
Jesse James was played by Brad Pitt. One of the best actors of our time takes on the role of an incredibly interesting character. Not for nothing, Pitt himself said that this western is his best film, in the production of which he participated and the role of Jesse James is the best in his career.
Robert Ford was played by Casey Affleck. He managed not to get lost among the charisma of Brad, and he also managed to create a controversial character, a boy who, due to lack of attention and understanding, became angry even at his idol.
The plot of the film in 2.5 hours tells the story of two characters, and each in its own way. In addition, the storyline with plots, betrayals and changes of the characters is written so vividly that you begin to perceive the characters not as Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell and Brad Pitt, but as real living people who doubt, feel, think. For some you feel contempt, others you sympathize - in a word, all members of the Jesse gang are real people.
This film is simply pleasant to watch because of its viscous atmosphere of the wild west, because of its unimaginably beautiful picture and incredible music. I especially want to note the color correction and setting of light in the frame - for this you can put separate points for the film. Very warm and pleasant colors look surprisingly good in such a seemingly dirty and black aesthetic of the late 19th century.
This film is a diamond of modern Westerns. It was surprising to me that so little is known about such a good film that its score on Kinopoisk did not exceed 8 points and that it went unnoticed even during its release with such a star cast. This film is an example of a modern western.
In the shadow of legend lies America's greatest betrayal.
The famous robber plays Brad Pitt, he also insisted on the title of the film.
Casey Affleck played the role of Robert Ford, although he was 10 years older than his character. Sam Rockwell played his brother Charlie.
A great three.
The movie runs 2 hours and 40 minutes. The original version of the picture 4 - sentry. Thank goodness Warner Bros insisted on cutting the film. If I wanted to, I'd cut another hour, or at least 40 minutes. The first part of the film is a failure. I wanted to shut it down after 20 minutes, because the narrative was so weak. Even Brad Pitt didn't save, although Casey Affleck was very interesting to watch all the time. Perhaps because of a bad start, the film did not win an Oscar.
There's a move in 70 minutes. The engine, of course, is not like Tarantino's. You have to get used to the rhythm of this movie. Slow storytelling, little wording, muted tones. Even shootings are very calm, but with charm.
You see through all three characters: Jesse, Bob (Robert) and Charlie. You feel them from the inside and feel for everyone. This is the talent of the game - without words to make you feel what is in your soul. It’s easy to play characters that have a lot of lines. Try to show who you are without words! Bravo.
Jesse James took a dark path and throughout his life regretted it. He committed murder in order to survive. A criminal with a soul.
Whether Robert Ford was a coward is a question. I don't want to think of him that way. And I didn't see him as a coward in the movie. It wasn't just fear that ruled them. And fear lives in all of us, but that doesn’t mean we’re cowards.
The film is based on Ron Hansen’s novel “How Cowardly Robert Ford Killed Jesse James,” which may not have been the way the author wrote it.
In summary, the film is not for once, it wants to watch again and again. Stick to the first half of the movie and the second will pass unnoticed. Perhaps this movie will be one of your favorites in the genre of Western.
7 out of 10
In 2007, Australian director Andrew Dominic shot one of the best films in the genre of Western, a biopic about the life of the famous Wild West bandit Jesse James and the fate of his killer Robert Ford. The rare case when the main moment of the film is made in its title, and this does not spoil it at all, because the main thing here is not the denouement, but the process of relationship between the characters. How does Robert Ford go from being a fan of Jesse to someone who hates him? Through the many details and moments of their lives, we find the answer.
This is a meeting of a fan and his idol in the conditions of the Wild West, Ford literally as nowadays keeps all the clippings from magazines about his hero, knows almost everything about him and tries to price him. But instead of the noble knight of his fantasies, he meets a tired paranoid killer who loses control but still instills fear in his gangmates. The relationship of the characters is complex, initially Ford is inclined to Jesse favorably, he in turn is not against him, but the further the plot develops, the more Bob begins to look obliquely at his idol. Each sees through the other, and they see in each other their salvation.
Do not expect this western chase and shootouts, this human drama that is methodically unfolding in the middle of the American prairies, under the endless blue sky, and the music of Nick Cave allows you to penetrate deeper into the atmosphere of this beautiful film. It is amazing how these two people, who seemed to be complete opposites to each other, nevertheless turn out to be so similar to each other, both older brothers are considered cranks, they are not understood, but they are united by the desire to become heroes, but one is already exhausted by fame, and the second has yet to learn her taste, while immortalizing the name of Jesse, he simultaneously dishonored his own in the eyes of people. From the outside, we see the noble hero Jesse James treacherous Bob Ford, but all this is just a screen, only a well-selling story, and behind it there are real people who are not a drop like those mythical heroes that newspapermen make of them. This film is about the ambiguity of human nature, about the fact that business does not care about living people, there is only a monumental Jesse James hero of the wild west, and the director makes an attempt to look into his soul, to see first of all a living person, not a statue.
The actors successfully got into the psychotypes of their heroes, Brad Pitt is very good at playing crazy characters, and here he coped perfectly, as well as the melancholy Casey Affleck perfectly portrayed his quiet and depressed hero. Although the film is about these two, but before us also appear the characters of the second plan, the fate of which follows no less interesting. Of these, the most memorable in the film is Sam Rockwell, who played his older brother Robert. His character came out very bright and interesting even though he plays a supporting role, he is both funny and tragic character, and most importantly, Sam managed to give his hero charm so he came out alive.
In general, the components of a good film are made in an ideal proportion: both music and acting, and history. The movie definitely gets 10 out of 10.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
After war movies (especially World War II) and martial arts, I love westerns. They are real, honest and full of undisguised (often naive) courage. In Westerns, even cowards are full of courage and seem brave.
Jesse James was a legend of the Wild West on the part of bandits, like Wyatt Earp on the part of the law, but today is not about him.
Jesse’s fame was twofold: the newspapers portrayed him as a righteous robber giving everything to the poor, and the chronicles said otherwise. Everyone knows the fate of Jesse, and who does not know can read the title of the tape again. One day, the Ford brothers appear in Jesse's gang. This is where it all comes in.
Many people like to talk about actors who have never won an Oscar, and Brad Pitt is one of them. He is beautiful, in many tapes even too much, but absolutely monotonous both in facial expressions and in the study of characters. And here's Jesse James. My friend, I'll tell you one thing, it's Pitt's best role of his career, from gestures to intonation. He speaks the text as if everything is happening right now. He never played like he did here. This is the first thing you should watch the movie for.
Next, the beautifully performed Bob Ford from Casey Affleck, the exact opposite: a rotten, snotty youngster full of audacity and a thirst for fame. We can also say about the Affleck performance, for which, in fact, he was nominated for a male second plan, but neither the Oscar nor the Globe he did not get, and in vain.
Then it's the operator. Camera legend Roger Deakins, who received nominations for two (!!!) films (the second was "No Country for Old Men") and no wins. But this year, finally, for seniority and “Running 2049”, the statuette did come. What pictures, what work with the moment! It's just a visual ode to the Wild West it was. And on top of all this soundtrack from perhaps the best composer of our time for such a "dark movie", Nick Cave. Cave’s music is always synonymous with a masculine, adult atmosphere that leads its own parallel story.
But the most important segment of the whole picture is the narrative. Dry, calm, balancing between facts and a kind of sick, cold tenderness of handling characters. There are no wild shootouts or chases. Only a story told with the same respect, male respect, with which the West then treated the death of Jesse James.
Watch the movie correctly.
The film was released in 2007 and its tagline reads: "In the shadow of legend lies America's greatest betrayal." Despite such high-profile words, today not every American (not to mention people from other parts of the world) will be able to answer the question who Jesse James was. So, this movie story, based on real events, is just about him.
Jesse is a criminal who robs trains and banks. Robert Ford, who idealized the notorious criminal since childhood, aspires to become his accomplice. But when Ford becomes part of the gang and gets to know his idol closer, his admiration and adoration gradually fade, and they are replaced by a completely opposite attitude. As we can see, the story is not the most fascinating and famous (Hollywood has already shown us a huge number of more exciting and attractive plots), but the correct implementation of the idea brought a really remarkable result.
The film was directed by the then little-known New Zealand director Andrew Dominic, who, however, perfectly coped with his task. The cast was selected very successfully, each actor in his place: in the title roles - Brad Pitt (one of the most famous and popular actors in Hollywood) and Casey Affleck (not as popular as his older brother Ben, but at the same time, perhaps even more talented); complement the picture of Sam Rockwell (known more for supporting roles, but at the same time no less impressive), Paul Schneider (who previously played in little-known films and TV series, but who has his own certain charm and perfectly fits into the overall picture of the wild West James "Jeremssie Rensie" already famous) thanks to his "Gremssenger" (Jer) To this bouquet of talents were also added Sam Shepard (an old-timer of Hollywood), Garrett Dillahant (later became the star of the series “Raising Hope”) and in a small role appeared the beautiful Zoe Deschanel ("500 days of summer).
Another important component of the success of the film is the excellent camera work (combined with the excellent work of decorators and costume designers) plus fascinating landscapes, which together gives us a feeling of the atmosphere of the Wild West and classical westerns (connoisseurs of the genre the picture will clearly taste).
And, of course, an incredibly beautiful soundtrack (perhaps one of the best to date). The music, written by the incomparable master - Nick Cave (in collaboration with Warren Ellis), creates a special atmosphere, but at the same time does not tear the viewer away from the narrative. By the way, fans of the musician, in addition to the chic music, expect another small surprise near the end of the film.
And here they are – the main components of a real movie: a talented director, an excellent cast (especially good in his role as Casey Affleck), an incredibly pleasant picture and a wonderful soundtrack. Let’s add well-written dialogues, excellent editorial work, impressive with its long name and befitting all this timekeeping. As a result, there is a finished product of high quality, which is not ashamed to call the movie with a capital letter. Therefore, for those who really love cinema, this film is a must see.
9.5 out of 10
Like Robert Ford, who reverently bowed to Jesse James, I adore a brilliant, highly artistic and deeply psychological work and the best movie I have ever seen. Here it is a real art, where the line between literature, music, cinema, painting is erased. For here all these kinds of creativity merge into a single filigree work, falling straight into the heart and wounding the soul. This majestic tempera canvas, on which every scene and character is carefully written out by the hand of a talented artist. This is a unique example of high-quality prose with any weighted word and brilliant syllable. The acting in the film is a powerful whole concert for several violins with an orchestra.
Pure art is beautiful not only in dynamics, but also in statics, so there is no shortage of a dynamic plot, the viewer is satisfied with what he sees and hears at every moment of viewing. Each scene acts as a separate short film or sketch, which looks with surprised interest and breathless. I never thought it was possible to imagine the life of bandits so beautifully. Here everything happens very pictureically, in the best sense of the word. Heroes break up into molecules, freeze for a moment and gather again so that we can better see them and feel them. Here is Jesse playing with snakes in his characteristic cruel manner, here is his wife Zee standing at the stove, representing a cast of age-old female fate, but Charlie leans his forehead against the wall, and in this position all the despair of the world, or Robert with the same amount of vanity in his eyes takes a revolver. Even the repulsive picture of a woman sitting in a boardwalk remains, like everything else, highly artistic.
You believe characters and events unconditionally, not because the film is biographical, but because it is based on the oldest human motives and passions, perfectly conveyed by excellent actors. The whole film is imbued with deep psychologism with a focus on vanity, thirst for power and spiritual devastation. Casey Affleck's subtle portrayal of Robert Ford's character evokes bewildered admiration. His unparalleled ability to roll his eyes and smile absent-mindedly was perfect here. Brad Pitt is beautiful by definition, whether in terms of appearance or in terms of play. He can compete only with the incredible beauty of a black carved chair, effectively falling in the climax of the main stage. It was a revelation for me to play Sam Rockwell. How vitally he portrayed servile servant Jesse, meekly bearing all his insults and so steadfastly protecting his younger brother from him. The music in the film, as an additional actor, plays its necessary role. It’s like a train coming straight at you and you know you’ll be hit by it.
"How Cowardly Robert Ford Killed Jesse James" I would put in a conditional film museum as a highlight. Film academics can give him an Oscar or not, it doesn't matter. True art is both an act and a reward to itself. Personally, I take my hat off to the genius of Andrew Dominic and say good old-fashioned thank you.
How one uninteresting character killed another uninteresting character
... after spending two and a half hours, which could fit into a half-hour short.
What the film will be about can be seen from the title. Read the synopsis and you already know the whole plot. But it is not only the unexpected twists that keep the cinema and, since the title of the film immediately spoiler its content, the director was sure that the action taking place on the screen is much more important than the finale. And I bought it. Decided it would be an atmospheric movie with well-recorded characters and a catchy ending that you know, but deep down, you'd hope it didn't happen. And then? In the end, it's boring.
The main problem of the film is that there are no characters to grasp and empathize with. Two and a half hours you wait for Jesse James to finally die and you can finally surrender to Morpheus, where the movie pushes you so hard. Why? It's simple. Jesse James is shown in the film as a real scum. A man willing to kill a postal train worker just for not having enough money in the safe. At the same time, throughout the film, he gives languid glances and tries to be a deep personality, but it does not work. He remains an embittered pacifier, not causing any emotions except irritation and, much worse, boredom. Robert Ford is a little more interesting, he has motivation, he believes in his character, but he is a repulsive person, unpleasant on a subconscious level. The result is a confrontation between two characters for which you have nothing to feel. You don't want Jesse to survive, and you don't root for Ford because they're both equally uninteresting. And in the end, you're just glad the movie is over.
The rest of the characters are just extras, acting as pushers of the plot.
Of the advantages, I can note a beautiful picture, disturbing music, acting work. All this is good and in some places even wonderful. But without a strong script, all these pluses are worth nothing.
The film more than failed at the box office. I don’t know what the audience didn’t like. At the same time, the rating on both IMDb and Kinopoisk is high. And Oscar didn't end up getting it. The plot and the actors are cool. This is a lyrical story about real characters, a life story.
When you watch a movie, you fall in love with Jesse James. Not in the romantic sense, but in the sense that you begin to empathize with him, as if he were your kindred person, a creature close in spirit. The ending just nailed me. I didn’t cry, but I was sad for a few days.
Jesse James seems bad. It is revealed in the film from the human, personal side. He likes it, no matter what he does, he justifies it. Everything says he's invincible. It's all the more frustrating at the end. He's very sorry. There is even a sense of injustice...
Kill a scoundrel and be a hero. Kill a hero and be a coward.
Romanticized by the time of Robin Hood of the Wild West, Jesse James is the idol of the “green” Robert Ford, trying to become like him and, moreover, surpass a cruel killer who seems to him a kind of demigod. Jesse's gang robs several banks a year, feeding on the energy and inhuman sense of the leader, creates local wars on the emerging American soil.
The air was hot in his presence. The rains were stronger. The clock slowed down. The sounds were getting louder.
In 1881 Jesse turned 34 years old, a couple of days in the gang will join the brothers Charlie and Robert Ford. Like all of them, they began to love and respect Jesse, but also to be afraid. They're ready to kill him when he's vulnerable; they're ready to stand up to him when he's bravely standing on the barricade against a heavy money train. Jesse did not play for profit, but for the pleasure of murder. He soon realized the burden he had on himself and his friends. Having deprived one life after another, Robert turned up very successfully to him, winning confidence.
Robert Ford turned out to be a traitor, to others - a hero and then for a short time. After throwing off the sin of his friends, Jesse gives Robert an expensive revolver, who later sees Robert’s hand pointed at him in the reflection. It's time to get rid of yourself. He is not afraid, because you will not refuse to die standing with one foot in the next world.
Killing his ideal in the back of the head, Robert Ford killed himself with a reprieve. Regretting what he's done, he'll kill Jesse on stage every day and torture himself with human hatred. He didn’t get what he expected. You know what I was waiting for? Applause. But they did not follow, says Robert Ford. He was killed in his own bar, and he was shot in the back of the head. He died forever, because in his honor "no biographies will be written, no children will be named after him." But Jesse James was resurrected in photos of his dead body, in songs about “American Robin Hood”. Jesse James became a legend.
It is difficult to imagine anyone for the role of Robert Ford, if not Casey Affleck. He's clearly a head taller than his older brother Ben. Tall and shaking voice, running eyes and uncertain movements, fits of laughter and audacity. A stupid smile or red eyes with rage is a complex character that only Casey Affleck can cope with.
A man like a lump only makes it clear with his eyes that everything here revolves around him. When he laughs, everyone else laughs (except Bob Ford, a brash coward), and when he stops abruptly, everyone stops. The game of Brad Pitt is unlikely to let go, but I can perfectly see the role of Jesse Daniel Day-Lewis, who a year later will show himself in “Oil”.
Andrew Dominic, the director of the film, as it turned out, is friends with Terrence Malik and showed him the film: he did not like it. But there are similarities with Malik, and there are many! The calm rhythm of the narrative, the endless horizons of the Wild West. This melancholy targets Colorado: yellow, gold, amber, black skies, clear frosty air and fish under blue ice. The operator Roger Dickins removes dust in the rays of the setting sun; catches the magic of shadows: branches reflected on the faces of robbers from the light in the dark; shows the pitch darkness of the forest, from which a small light appears, gaining more light and after a minute turns into an unbearable train, rushing like a buffalo to another beast - Jesse James. Dickins never received the award, except for the audience.
Special attention should be paid to the composers Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. Music is one of the three pillars of the film. Pushing up the atmosphere with its monotonous humming, it makes you shudder and not be jokingly afraid during the murder, when in any other case you would remain indifferent. On stage Robert Ford, Jesse James, Charlie Ford and music.
The favorite stereotype of a dynamic western is failing. A film with a measured narrative, interrupted by reflection and landscapes. You only need to be fully immersed and reflect on what you see and hear. Real art? Absolutely.
To begin with, after the last inventory, I came to the unequivocal conclusion that this is my favorite film.
There are several reasons. Highly artistic approach, unforgettable acting, dissolving and carrying away music.
With the Oscar, of course, everything is clear for a long time, and there is no news here that once again they did not give the “main” award to the one who really deserves it. In my opinion, this is the best work of Brad Pitt (it would be very interesting to hear his opinion about his work in this picture) and the best work of Casey Afleck.
A very interesting and unique thing happened to this film. I have been interested in astrology since 1997 and since then I have been observing the characters of people of one or another zodiac sign. This film is a confirmation that everything is destined, well, maybe not everything, but much in our lives.
What are we talking about?
The fact that Brat Pitt plays Jesse James is a real person who lived in America in the 19th century, so, Jesse James was born on September 5 and on the horoscope he is Virgo. I don’t know if Bratt Pitt is fond of horoscopes, why I’m sure he isn’t, but he’s not a maiden (and a archer on the horoscope) playing a typical representative of the Virgo sign! It's fantastic! The Jesse James he plays is a typical Virgo! If there are people here who are fond of astrology, they will understand what I am talking about.
That is, there was a certain “connect” during the work of Brad Pitt, on some unknown subtle plane, Brad Pitt reincarnated in Jesse James and he manifested all his characteristic features and manners. This is amazing, friends!
I have never seen more of this in the movies, when you can really feel and see the transformation of a person into another person who once lived. It's such a bridge film, a special adaptation to see this mystery, the mystery of cinema. Thank you so much to Andrew Dominic! This role was intended for Brad Pitt. In this film, it is incredibly obvious!
The film has everything that a real connoisseur of cinema likes. There's a certain tempo that doesn't change the whole movie. This film will come into your life as a smoothly walking, neatly but confidently walking man, whose steps you first hear outside the door of your room, then he passes you sitting on the couch, and then leaves your room also smoothly, gradually quieting down.
I love westerns, but this movie is not about shooting. The direction of the plot rushes into a deep disclosure of the character of the main character. And a well-known and beloved American bandit appears before the viewer, in an unexpected angle, with all his heavy internal scars, incompatible with life.
There are few such films...
It's real art. There is nothing here but the talent that came on the Wednesday for which it was gifted.
Brad Pitt — The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
The day before his death it was Palm Sunday. Bob stayed home and secretly wandered around the rooms. He went into the master’s bedroom and examined all the clothes on the hangers and hooks. He drank water from a glass on the hold. He lay on Jesse's lilac and talc-smelling pillows. He felt his ribs with his fingers to get a clearer picture of the scars on Jesse's body. He bent his finger, imagining that two phalanges were missing. He imagined he was 34. He imagined himself in the coffin. He plunged into dreams about lost opportunities and unfulfilled dreams. (quoted from the film)
That's the kind of movie I needed. Reflexive and slow, featuring the heroes and anti-heroes of the Wild West from a more accessible perspective to the modern inhabitant of the post-industrial urban jungle. So that not ganglight bravado comes to the fore, but personal experiences.
The point of view chosen by Andrew Dominic is certainly entitled to life. However, it is probably very different from the realities of those years. Fortunately, the history of the Western, which almost coincides with the history of the cinema itself, we can draw conclusions about the mores and characters of the Wild West. And the people there were tougher than they are now. They lived much less, and life itself was valued very differently. Human death did not surprise anyone. However, Andrew Dominic can have his own opinion on everything - and the author. He offers us close-up portraits of Jesse James, tired of his drive, and several of his comrades who are not too wise in life experience. There will be plenty of attention to John Ford. But isn't this the romanticization of the most common criminals? Indeed, these men, who should have had stern determination, look pampered and sentimental.
It is a question of the viewer whether to agree with this interpretation of the characters or not. To me, it is the shades of the main characters’ characters and chosen accents that look far from reality, closer to modern American ideas about masculinity as such. That’s why, somehow, slips into my personal scale of ratings the same shock scene in which the cunning and sad Jesse removes the holster and turns away to correct the picture. Not impressed by the charm of Brad Pitt, playing with a snake. I can't believe it. And he was not too similar in appearance to the real Jesse James (which can not be said about Casey Affleck, who is directly the same person as John Ford).
It is strange that a man could disfigure himself like this. I'm sorry to say, (quote from the movie). Jesse's character
All right. But about the film in the technical aspect of harsh words can not say. Andrew Dominic is experimenting with form, bringing all the action into an almost meditative state. He was not afraid to reveal all the details of what was happening at the end (after all, the whole intrigue is already in the title of the tape). In some places, all this seems incredibly boring, and in some places - stylish. Moreover, at times, comparisons to Jarmusch and Malik's films were so obvious. If it were not for questions about content and meaning, then my assessment would undoubtedly be higher.
5 out of 10
Remember the scene of the shootout between Dick and Wood: not a word, but with the tension and inability to hit the orange at close range.
I even agree with the reviewers here who have written negative reviews about timekeeping and its impact. I tried 2.5 hours twice, but twice I was waiting for a “total eclipse” and a good night’s sleep. Well, I had to try for the third time if the movie was really good.
Under the inimitable mastery of the camera Roger Deakins and reminiscent of the lullaby of the main musical theme from Nick Cave I plunged into a time when banks and trains were robbed, and Jesse James was considered a little, a little hero. The majestic and wide beauty of Canada drew me into its expanses. The atmosphere of a strained bowstring or the coming thunder permeated me through, like frost during a long winter. I'm not kidding, I really felt like that on the third viewing. Dialogue, which at times seemed superfluous, was used to avoid turning a long movie into a silent movie. They cleverly concealed all the emotions that lurked in the eyes of the heroes. Andrew Dominic's creation is minimalism in all revealing form. Remember the scene of the shootout between Dick and Wood: not a word, but with tension and inability to hit the orange at close range.
Having enjoyed the aesthetic side of "How cowardly Robert Ford killed Jesse James", you need to pay attention to the plot. It turned out to be quite good and truthful. It is very vital when one person wants to be another person who admires and amazes him. Having a desire is one thing and the end result is another. The title tells the audience what will happen. Did Robert Ford get what he dreamed of after the murder of Jesse James? Were newborn babies named after him? Were the stories of the books dedicated to him? Did people thank him for his actions? Robert Ford got something he never dreamed of.
Since I am used to Brad Pitt’s high skill, which I have no doubt about, it was a revelation to see Casey Affleck play. All the years of his career, he was in the shadow of a more famous brother (it seems that this did not hurt him). But Casey Affleck, as Jason Schwartzman: when you don't expect special roles, you get more. Robert Ford was worthless and pathetic, and this is a sign of high-quality, responsible work of a real actor. He got into his role and showed me a lifelong loser.
"How cowardly Robert Ford killed Jesse James" - necessary for moviegoers, when the soul wants something leisurely during the snow outside the window. And when you have a favorite mug with hot tea or coffee, plus a plate of cookies. If this combination works, the movie will go well. Like butter. I wish you a great look!
He has inflamed eyelids, he lost two phalanges on his left hand, his cold look makes his heart beat in agony, and in his hand always a revolver is ready - it is him, the uncompromising and cruel thief of the Wild West Jesse James.
And immediately under the annotation for the film, there is an idea of a “classic” western, this time with the charismatic Brad Pitt. And all that would be true, but Andrew Dominic so scrupulously approached the story of the great thief of the Western States that the worn canons open completely differently.
First of all, I want to note the dark tone of what is happening in the film. Have you often seen a western without sun canyons, saloons, filled with scoundrels? Here the director offers you the cold state of Missouri, the emotional torment of the main characters and the “heating” of events full of tragedy.
As for the plot, the main spoiler of the tape is revealed in the title. Immediately, the viewer’s attention focuses on two characters: the actual Jesse James and the “cowardly” guy Robert Ford. It is the image of Robert that is most interesting to watch. The younger brother of Ben Affleck just perfectly played the young, persistent and determined Robert Ford, and looked worthy on the same level with Pitt, sometimes even beating him (the Oscar nomination is well deserved). I have no complaints about Jesse James. In some places his silence and penetrating look (albeit a rather familiar look) made me trembling.
The voiceover further immerses us in the atmosphere of the film. Like he was on the next performance already famous Robert Ford (here is a small spoiler, sorry).
A darkly told western, Pitt's chic play with Affleck Jr., a well-reported story of the great robber. Excellent.
10 out of 10
It was hard. It was incredibly long and boring. I was only able to watch this movie for the fourth time. In the first three I fell asleep, and it didn’t matter if it was day or night, whether I was tired or cheerful. I didn’t like everything in this movie.
Jesse James didn't feel sorry for me, he deserved it. All of his efforts during the film did not affect me at all. Brad Pitt can cry on the screen, but it didn’t look like it at all. And his hero turned out to be rather incomprehensible - it can kill a person in cold blood without a blink of conscience, then cry and wonder how his difficult life brought him to this. He didn't convince me at all.
Casey Affleck played well, I think he would be a great candidate for the role of Raskolnikov.
Brad Pitt is my favorite actor, but of the movies I’ve seen with him, this one is probably the weakest.
Incredibly beautiful movie. His shots made me forget about the plot and just enjoy the picture, the finds of the composition, the faces of my favorites Brad Pitt, Sam Rockwell, Casey Affleck. It's an aesthetic delight. I want to revise it to catch new details and touches, which in the film is enough to compare it with a book read differently at different periods of life.
Quite a simple story about the legendary thief Jesse James is not shown simply. It seems to focus more on the little things than the fact of the story. The title itself suggests that the purpose of the movie is not the ending, but the content. You don’t have to unravel it, you just have to absorb and enjoy it. Surprisingly, the level of tension and unpredictability here is always on edge. There is hardly a single moment when the film is truly calm with its external stinginess and pacification. If you find fault, then probably the dialogues may seem too pathetic, but they are quite harmonious with the whole film and do not cut the ear. Well, the acting is incomparable: Brad Pitt is definitely Jesse James, Casey Affleck is quite a pompous coward, and Sam Rockwell with a classic, insanely charming smile.
An interesting fact is that if you believe the search, director Andrew Dominic had only one full-fledged movie before this film, but nevertheless it came out so solid and strong. How much the profession of “director” must be inside a person to create a masterpiece almost the first time. After all, for example, most artists create their true works only after many years of attempts.
As for the operator Roger Dickins, he already had a whole arsenal of masterpieces behind him: Mind Games, Big Lebowski, Escape from Shawshank, Old Men do not belong here and others. This is one of those examples when the search for a movie to watch can be chosen not only by director or actor, but also by the operator.
8 out of 10
This film was made not to show us the exploits of Jesse James, but to show us the last year of his life, and so the film begins with Robert Ford joining the gang, that is, the year 1861.
Ford is an ardent admirer of James, but after a brief stay in his gang, changed his mind about him for the worse. After all, the books he read about him were just fictions, in reality, he is not at all like that. Ford saw the true face of Jesse James, a tough robber who killed and robbed only for his own needs. Gradually, James himself has problems, he is very suspicious, he is unpredictable, and each of the gang begins to cut his hair even more. The atmosphere of this unpredictability is felt from the middle of the film. We don't know how James will behave, how he feels. He himself admits that suspicion has confused his mind, he is not happy with who he turns into.
Brad Pitt, who played Jesse James, showed us a man who has been robbing and killing for many years. His actions are really not predictable, it is not clear who he trusts, who does not, what will he do next? As a father and husband, he was not a bad person.
Casey Affleck, who played Robert Ford, seemed to be a man who only wants fame. All his life he was the youngest, wanted to show himself in the gang of his idol, failed, in the end, showed himself as a traitor. But here's the paradox, Robert Ford was right to kill James, but after he made himself a "hero", nothing bright came of it.
Don't expect an action movie.
How the cowardly Casey Affleck beat Brad Pitia
The film by Andrew Dominic (for whom it was his second feature film) tells the famous story of the murder of Jesse James. This story over time overgrown with a considerable number of rumors and conjectures, and the image of a charismatic bandit turned into a kind of American Robin Hood.
Andrew Dominic decided not to focus on the life of Jesse (that is not to do a biopic) and describes the last years of the life of a recidivist. A special thank you to the director for a more art-house approach to the narrative of history. Here we will not see loud and adrenaline shootings and robberies. Jesse James (played by Brad Pitt does not flaunt crazy shooting skills and coolness). His image is a psychological portrait with all the nuances (as opposed to iron confidence, bouts of depression and paranoia are presented).
The plot revolves around the relationship between Ford and James, and the almost manic fascination of the former with the latter. After meeting and spending time with his “idol”, Ford’s fanaticism turns into hatred and fierce envy, and entails a series of events to a stunning finale for both characters.
Among the obvious advantages can be noted excellent acting work of Pitt and Affleck. But the main surprise is that the unattractive image of the “cowardly” and snake-like Robert Ford Casey Affleck pulls on himself with a blanket from Brad Pitt, showing the stunning work of revealing the character and all its features (psychological and facial). Pete, in turn, constantly shows the inner superiority of his character over others and drills the audience with a piercing look. Not far behind and cameraman Roger Deakins showing chic panoramas and showing us scenes in amazing beauty.
I want to thank the creators for this film. Filmed without excessive pathos, it methodically shows new sides of this famous (well, for America this is certainly) story. The film may seem boring to the viewer who expects a fervent western or active action and action scenes. But if you’re determined to spend 2.5 hours on a beautiful, well-made, and honest story, then this movie is definitely for the occasion.
Unfortunately, I did not get to read the novel that formed the basis of the picture. But somehow, I'll try to do it. Well, I'm reading a lot. Fortunately, time allows. All right. Let's talk about the movie itself. Like I said, I haven't read a novel. So, no comparison with the book, I will not do.
The first thing I want to draw your attention to is the atmosphere of the tape. Here, and does not smell of gambling dynamics with Clint Eastwood. The atmosphere is as cold as steel. She's dark and emotional. Besides, the movie looks hard. Therefore, I recommend setting yourself up for two and a half hours of serious and deep drama. Because, under the good cover of a western, there is drama. Strong drama. Alive. Permeated with emotion and atmospheric music, she touches. It makes you think about life.
Jesse James is a very interesting and mysterious person. On the one hand, he is a cruel and dangerous man who became famous as a legendary bandit. On the other hand, he is an unhappy and vulnerable person. He has a wife and children. He's not without a sense of humor. Sometimes he's playful and loose. But, sometimes, closed and unpredictable. Brad Pitt played this role perfectly. Good game. The image is elaborate and very convincing. However, in the talent of this actor, I did not doubt.
Robert Ford is the opposite of Jesse James. However, they have in common. Both are hard. Some things, these people look the same. I'll be very reasonable. Pathetic and sugary morels, this Ford. After the murder, he begins to take things more seriously. Casey Affleck was perfect for the role of Robert Ford. Played well. That's right, and it's worth imagining this subject. I will not write about the other characters separately. They played well, too. Worked out your time. Perhaps the most memorable of them is Charlie Ford, played by Sam Rockwell.
These movies aren't for everyone. Not for nothing, they are shown at film festivals. And it is not terrible that, with a budget of thirty million dollars, the picture collected only fifteen worldwide. This movie was not made to break the box office. It's for certain viewers. Food for the mind, reflection and philosophical conclusions. Of course, not everyone can do that. But, the movie, it's not your fault. Thank you very much.
There are movies where you can’t say a word. After some - from the shock of what he saw, after others - he swirled plot, after the third - from a feeling of overwhelming delight or defeat with a deep meaning embedded in the picture. “How Cowardly Robert Ford Killed Jesse James” is one of those movies where you don’t have anything to say, you just have nothing to say, because it’s so holistic that it doesn’t need any comment or discussion. At least until the emotions, together with the experience of what they saw, do not fit into the head and cool down.
This film, in my opinion, is a real film canvas - a thick, old, and therefore very valuable book, which rustles the pages revealing to the viewer the entire era, atmosphere, life and customs of that time, and most importantly - the history of the relationship between the two main characters: the "merciless" bandit and his "noble" killer. There is no need to hide or keep silent about one of the sad, tragic endings of the tape - everything is already said in the title. And it's not that Bob Ford shot James, it's that Bob came to that decision - that's the essence and understanding of the whole movie.
Long and majestic, this movie stands out sharply from the rest of the tapes with a similar theme - exclusivity here in everything, from the workshop to the selection of actors, and ending with the final frame to the music of Nick Cave. And this is even without a detailed mention that the film is based on the book of the American novelist Ron Hansen, who wrote his creation about real events, supported by the words of contemporaries Jesse James. It’s just amazing how in our time of complete digitization of scenery and the entire shooting process, sometimes there are films not only author’s style, which belongs to the accompanying film festivals, but also high-quality, almost mainstream cinema that looks like author’s. Not won box office, noisy advertising campaign or widespread fame, however, this film deserves to be in the collection of any real moviegoer - because it is shot for fans of this genre: thoughtful, or rather - contemplative cinema: leisurely, and saturated with deep psychology.
It will not be rushing horse chases, thunderous shootouts or the main character, who turns Colt's revolver on his index finger with a low bass gives out pathetic aphorisms. No, this movie is a tragedy of relationships, the transformation of the fan’s attitude to his idol: from awe to fear and hatred, as well as the gradual understanding that the person he idolized was not the same as he was described in cheap books issued during the life of the famous bandit.
Casting in the film is one hundred percent hit in the right actors: Brad Pitt, who played Jesse James, looks just a block. The way he sits in a rocking chair, imperiously smoking a thick cigar, or a stare through the bones drills the interlocutor, trying to understand whether he is lying or not - you just need to see, there are not enough laudatory epithets.
He clearly shows who is the master of his house with his sweet wife and two children, or a tough, unobtrusive gang leader who can silence a motley company of nearby farmers to rob a train in the dead of night. A man of strength, animal cunning, full of unpredictability - it is impossible to sneak up on him, he never partes with his weapon, and even sleeps with a loaded revolver, ready to use it at any moment. And yet Jesse is reconsidering her life because she realizes that sooner or later it will all be over. He will either be arrested or killed by his own accomplices, who will someday have the courage not to share the spoils with the leader. Could he have foreseen that his life would be cut short by a shot in the back of the head from a terrified guy he had sunk on his chest? And not so much for the sake of reward as for the supposed glory?
Casey Affleck, who tried on the role of the envious young man Robert Ford, was simply amazed. This little-known actor (against the background of his brother Ben Affleck) not only managed to outplay Brad himself, who has many powerful roles in the piggy bank, but also to look like a primary character. Be that as it may, the film is not only about Jesse’s charismatic nature, but about Robert Ford, who killed not James, but himself with a fatal shot. The fame of Jesse after his death only increased: to his house began to go crowds of pilgrims, his body was photographed, stamps were issued with him, songs and legends were written about him - after his death, he simply soared to the Olympus of fame and love of the inhabitants, delighted with his life path. What about Ford? Has he gained the fame for which he is credited? Did anyone say thank you to him, even those widows of the men shot by James? Robert Ford gained only the hatred of all America, and this is because he rid the world of a murderer and a robber.
From the technical side, the film is simply brilliant in its simplicity: the operator Roger Dickins, who masterfully steered the camera, and through this the emotions of the viewer, in such impressive films as "Escape from Shawshank", "Mind Games", "House of Sand and Fog", "Mysterious Forest", "Old Men Don't Have a Place Here" and "The Road of Change", reached the ceiling of the naturally given sense of understanding of what exactly to capture on film.
With undisguised admiration you watch the faces of the heroes, their facial expressions, some household trifles like a rocking chair, a chair in the middle of the room, windows or morning light, breaking through the darkness of the room through the ajar door. Extensive plans of snow-covered American steppes make you shiver from the cold. The display of endless wheat fields smells of a flowering field. From the fire that burns in the forest camp, you can smell smoke and unsophisticated cooked food.
Well, in any case, you can not pass by the music for the film, which was written by Nick Cave with Warren Ellis – the authors of the soundtrack to “The Road” based on the novel by McCarthy. Tough and melancholy, she is able to squeeze even from the most callous viewer a tear and boundless feeling of experience, as if the characters of the film in three hours have become your close friends - and we see the withering of their lives.
“How Cowardly Robert Ford Killed Jesse James” is one of the best films I’ve ever seen, and can be summed up in just one word: it’s a true masterpiece of cinema.
Do you know what I was expecting? Applause. I was only 20 years old at the time. I couldn’t understand how people would feel about it. I was surprised at what happened afterwards: no one applauded.
Robert Ford on what he did.
10 out of 10
He killed Jesse James, he became famous and rich, but no one wrote his biography, no one named a child after him, no one paid 25 cents to stand in the room he grew up in.
You know, it happens when you saw a movie, and although for the most part it seemed ordinary to you, a couple of strong episodes are forever stuck in your memory, first you delete this tape, and then time passes, and suddenly at the most unexpected moment you remember these bright episodes from the film. Then you think about the tape more and more often, and eventually it becomes clear that you want to reconsider the whole picture.
Andrew Dominic created a truly extraordinary, melancholy story about the famous bandit of the late 19th century and his no less famous death. First of all, it should be said that this is not a western at all, from a cowboy action movie here five percent, no more. So don’t think you’re going to see something like Train to Yuma or Johnny D, movies like this I’ve never seen before, which is why it’s unique to me. The title is “The Murder of Jesse James by Cowardly Robert Ford.” After all, the film talks not only about how he killed him, the tape describes the time of this event, details the reasons that prompted Robert to do it. And most importantly, the viewer will see and understand the consequences of this murder, the consequences that affected not only Robert Ford, but also many other people who are somehow connected with Jesse James.
Jessie James. When he killed Jesse, he was only 20 years old. The actor is Casey Affleck. There’s a lot more to say about him, unlike Jesse (think why). Personally, I find it hard to call him a coward. Yeah, he's a traitor. Yes, he's a naive youngster with no life experience. Maybe he's weak, maybe he's a liar, selfish, and hypocrite. But a coward? Would anyone who wanted fame and money (that’s 99% of all people) have done otherwise? And if he did something different then, which is, he didn't kill Jesse, wouldn't that be even more cowardly? I believe that if Robert Ford is truly a coward, then all people should be divided into two categories, the Jesse James category and the coward category. Think about it, because there is a reason at the end of the film, you feel a certain kinship with Robert Ford, you really understand him, he is closer to the viewer, unlike Jesse James, whose actions can hardly be projected on yourself and imagine yourself in his place. Who knows, maybe Andrew Dominic wanted to show people that most individuals at heart are equally weak and cowardly, and from this one can make a logical conclusion: it is pointless to think of yourself as superior or inferior to others, it is foolish to condemn other people for cowardice or weakness, because it is wrong, it is unfair. I was truly sorry for Robert Ford, and I was sorry that a stupid, hypocritical mob despised him, and in the end got what they wanted: killed him. Although the crowd is understandable, ordinary people will never accept such injustice, they will never come to terms with the fact that some frail boy betrayed and killed a crime legend. It doesn't have to be like that, does it? Crowds don’t forgive weakness, and if you’re tempted to go from being cowards to being like Jesse James, be strong and brave, or you won’t live long. But 20-year-old Robert Ford didn’t foresee it, he can’t be like Jesse James, which is why after he dared to cross the border, after he felt for a moment really strong and fearless, just like Jesse – death overtakes him incredibly quickly. This is the price of a momentary but real courage, momentary fame and wealth. This is where I end, because you can argue and argue about what you see for a very, very long time, this is a good film.
The technical side is also incredibly interesting. Most of the painting is painted as if in light wood (brown) slightly faded color, and associated with the coffin, with a symbol of death. The film, as befits modern cinema, is bright, but at the same time dull. This perfectly creates the atmosphere of that time. In general, this tape can be safely called a high work of art. Here I would like to note the amazing musical accompaniment, without it, the picture could lose its weight. Music is one of the main advantages of this film, it is rare to watch a film where the soundtrack is of such great importance. Two melodies are particularly impressive. One of them is dedicated to Jesse James (the scene of his death), the other is written for Robert Ford (the last 5 minutes of the film), thanks to which it becomes obvious that Robert’s life is rolling into the abyss with great cosmic speed. Both melodies are so strong, so perfectly fit into the picture that there are simply no words, very powerful, very powerful.
I am talking about the actors in the last place, since here they play a rather secondary role, the main merit in the success of the film definitely remains with Andrew Dominic. But the actors were also not for the appearance, Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner - all these personalities gained fame not only for their beautiful eyes, believe me. On the Affleck account, of course, is controversial, but in this film he is good, I have to give credit, and there is also Zoe Deschanel here, well it is, information for fans.
Andrew Dominic has created his most extraordinary film of which he can rightly be proud. This is a unique tape and you are unlikely to find something similar, this is me, as a movie lover I say. The music is unique, the atmosphere is unforgettable. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is an independent piece of fiction that deserves two and a half hours of precious viewing time. I’ve seen this movie twice, and I’ll definitely watch it again to contemplate and reflect. In the meantime, my rather modest:
8.5 out of 10
P.S. I forgot to write about the main scene: very beautiful, artistic and majestic. The aesthetic in this episode is at the level of Tarantino.
Robin Hood of the Wild West, a legendary robber romanticized by time (people always tend to romanticize bad boys and girls). Jesse is a soul wide open (I don’t care who’s with me, that’s why I’m called that).
The air was hot in his presence. The rains were stronger. The clock slowed down, the sounds became louder. He described himself as a Confederate Southerner, a partisan of a civil war that never ended. Seventeen murders and no remorse. On the fifth of September 1881 he was thirty-four years old. In a few days, the new gang Jesse James and his brother Frank will join the Ford brothers Charlie and Robert. Then begins the story that Australian director Andrew Dominic will show how time flies, how clouds rush in the sky to the tart music of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, while Brad Pitt rocks in a rocking chair. We look at it as we would look at the affairs of days gone by through a thick glass of time (the reception of blurring at the edges, the focus in the center of the picture, the voice of the narrator - actor Hugh Ross loud and detached) or a stereoscope of souvenir photos that will be sold by the thousands after this person in the chair dies.
It's a legend of betrayal. The masks are dropped - Robin Hood turned out to be a murderer and a sadist, another hero, young Robert, who since childhood collected all the notes about Jesse James, turned out to be a traitor who received a revolver as a gift from the idol. Shooting in the back with this revolver. Waiting for applause.
The unhurried rhythm of the narrative and the majestic beauty of the Wild West recalls the works of Terrence Malick, Michael Mann, the melancholy Trier. This meditative style focuses on the striking and magnificent landscapes of Colorado, the lush colors blossoming on the screen - a bright yellow field, a dark, almost black restless sky, flaming fire, frosty air, steam from the mouth, slowly falling snow on thick and blue ice, under which fish swim. Operator Roger Dickins works magic by catching shadows from slightly swaying chairs in an empty house. Dust slowly descends in the sunlight. A brightly lit train rushing through a black as pitch forest, shadows on the masks of bandits and a silhouette of Jesse James, standing in the way of a machina rushing to his meeting. Fearlessness, reduced to absurdity, instinct, almost beastly, but somewhere behind these qualities lurks madness and mania of persecution. Jesus surrounded by friends, Jesse, surrounded by accomplices and then traitors.
The film, based on Ron Hansen's novel of the same name, makes no secret of what will happen in the end. It is known what the finale will be for one of the characters, but the word "predictable" is inappropriate here - the action is exciting, leading to the inevitable climax. I am a burden to myself, says Jesse, looking out the window as the wind rinses the white-washed sheets. It's like leaving my body. I look at my bloodied hands and my face distorted by malice and I think, how could I have been so disfigured? No answer. The wind knocks through the windows, as if wanting to reach the criminal who eluded the authorities of ten states, whose accomplices were shot one by one - baseless and justified suspicions mixed, who is the enemy and who is the friend? To believe one of two hundred, and keep it under the sight of sharp blue eyes - no wonder and move, right?
Casey Affleck as Robert Ford is a revelation. Insecure, constantly stuttering speech, the eyes he takes away, as if afraid to look directly at the interlocutor, periodic flashes of fun or fear, recklessness appearing closer to the middle of the film. Ford, who idolizes the manipulator James, who yearns to be his best friend (do you want to be like me or do you want to be me?), Ford, who starts to hate and fear, Ford, who at the last moment regrets, Ford, who realizes that this train can not stop, too fast it rushes. Ford, trembling hands accepting the gift and then, after the very minutes in which it all happens, another Ford, wearing an opal brooch, endlessly lonely and grieving. The narrator will coldly and inexorably lead us to another ending, probably unexpected but equally inevitable.
The film explores the concept of popularity from all sides - James bravely robs wealthy owners of railways and banks, he and his gang delight the audience. Everyone thinks that this is a gang of robinguds, because it is supposed to be happy with the troubles of the rich. In reality, the James gang is a team of thugs, bandits and murderers, and the whole romantic flair of adventure, fame, precision shots and unimaginable robberies is only on the pages of books that the young admirer of fearless heroes Robert Ford carefully kept in his box. Jesse James, played by Pitt, is not as big as it seemed. He's not a capital hero. He's extraordinarily cunning, magnetically appealing, he's terrifying in anger, and his eyes seem to look straight into the soul, he's frighteningly relentless, cruel, but he's human. A man who cuts off the heads of snakes to whom he gave the names of his enemies, entangled in the web of his own fear, other people's betrayals and lies. Not even trusting himself, but attending church with his family. However, his death only increased his fame. Everyone is willing to pay money to stand in the room where he died. Everyone hates his killer. No one likes those who kill a legend because a legend, whatever it is, must live forever. Oscar Wilde, who visited the town of St. Joseph in Missouri a couple of weeks after the death of Jesse James, was surprised to note how swept away souvenirs mentioning the name of a famous criminal. Americans, Wilde wrote, always choose heroes from the criminal world. Jesse James was such a hero, and everything else will be erased from memory as well as the name of his killer, and only on his gravestone will the epitaph be knocked out - "Killed by a coward whose name is not worth being called."
Learning to see the movie correctly is not an easy task. It probably comes with years and experience, or maybe not. In this film you can throw that it is drawn, that it is boring, etc. But people, mainly from the lack of ability to perceive and understand, take the slowness of the film for protractedness, and some scenes and episodes, in their opinion, could be cut without general damage. But every scene and every dialogue, even at first glance unremarkable, is aimed at revealing and showing this or that hero or heroes even more and better. There’s nothing in Andrew Dominic’s Jesse James movie that I want to throw away. I have come to the conclusion that I like absolutely everything in this film. He's perfect. With all its advantages and disadvantages, it is perfect. Neither add nor take away. It is impossible to make this story better.
About how tender and serious the authors of the film approached their picture, says even the selection of the cast. And especially, Affleck's choice to play Bob Ford. No one is better suited for this role than he is. His cowardly tearful eyes and thin voice. Robert Ford in his performance is one of the best embodied roles in cinema, and Casey himself is as if born for this role. Pitt, Rockwell and others don't spoil the porridge either. And this is the merit of Dominic, who, like a good conductor, perfectly conveyed to his musicians the tone, pace, and style of the work they will perform.
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis created the soundtrack, which is probably one of my five favorites. Its value lies in the fact that it, as befits the soundtrack, further drives into the atmosphere of the film. It fits into the mood of the picture with diabolical harmony, a real idyll. There are not many films that can boast such harmony. The narrator’s behind-the-scenes speech is also an important moment, which, together with a great soundtrack, general script and high-end visual component, works on the atmosphere. This speech in style resembles the legends and stories of the nineteenth century about Jesse James, composed by contemporaries, and probably filled with both truth and fiction. From a historical point of view, the film is very reliable. Even the house in which James was shot in the film is actually a copy of the real house of Jesse, who now serves for the museum, and in which you can visit if you are suddenly taken to St. Joseph in Missouri.
He was guessing by the chicken intestines, by the clove of cat wool, launched in the wind. Everything foreshadowed trouble. And he went into the prison of his soul.
Andrew Dominic’s film is also a psychological drama. It's not peep-puff, it's not action-western eye treat. These are, first of all, human souls, in which we are invited to look, and understand what moved a person, and what prompted him to certain actions. This is a drama that tries to shed some light on the story of Jesse James and Robert Ford, which is shrouded in a dark veil. Elusive, intestinal sense of danger and betrayal Jesse James so easily folded his head.
Death is not terrible if you look beyond the line.
That was Jesse’s power and insecurity about who he opened the door to. Being completely mired in paranoia (which was not unreasonable), he was driven into a dead end; any moment could turn into a stab in the back from his own, as well as capture and execution by the authorities. He's tired. Tired of moving from place to place, tired of seeing their children once a year, tired of “braving”.
Sometimes it’s as if I leave my body and look at my bloody hands and my angry face. It is strange that a man could disfigure himself like that. I'm a burden to myself.
The day before, he presented a gift to his future murderer - a brand new revolver, and on the day of the murder, he specially removed the holster and gun, with which he never parted. To probably face the killer unarmed (and thereby make him an even bigger coward). Another form of suicide?
He concealed longing and anxiety under the mask of exaggerated cordiality, courtesy and ostentatious friendliness. But even when he was joking or tickling his son, his eyes melancholy froze on Bob’s face, as if an invisible but strong thread stretched between them.
Bob Ford received a $5,000 reward and was a hero. A hero to the authorities. When Jesse once said, “You’re going to break a lot of hearts,” he seemed to predict the fate of his killer and his fate. Hearts that beat in all corners of a large country between two oceans. Robert Ford spent his last years in mental anguish, self-loathing, written threats and hate from fellow citizens, and was killed 10 years after the death of Jesse James. On June 8, 1892, Edward O’Kelly stepped over the threshold of Ford’s gambling parlor, pointed a gun at him with his back, and said, “Hello, Bob.” There was a gunshot. Robert Ford turned around, but he plunged into darkness before he could see the face of his killer. Edward O’Calley was known as “The Man Who Killed the Man Who Killed Jesse James.” His goal was the very “applause” that Robert Ford dreamed of.
Jesse James was a man who killed many men.
He robbed the Glendale train.
And he stole from the rich and he gave to the poor.
He had a hand and a heart and a brain.
Well, Jesse had a wife to mourn for his life.
Three children they were brave.
But that dirty little coward who shot Mr. Howard
Has laid poor Jesse in his grave.
It was Robert Ford that little dirty coward.
I wonder how he feels!
For he ate at Jesse's bread and he slept at Jesse's bed
And he laid poor Jesse in his grave.
Well, Jesse had a wife to mourn for his life.
Three children they were brave.
But that dirty little coward who shot Mr. Howard
Has laid poor Jesse in his grave.
For people it is important not only what results you have achieved, but also what ways.
People can say for a long time that the western genre is dying, going into the past, as the Wild West has gone. But at the same time, no matter what anyone says, decent examples in this genre and in the 21st century come out, and the picture “How cowardly Robert Ford killed Jesse James” is one of these examples. A strong biographical drama that few people can leave indifferent.
The main advantage of this film is credibility. From the first minute to the last, you believe in it – believe in the environment, believe in the story we are told, and believe in the characters involved. Acting robots are just amazing – I can’t even imagine this movie has another cast. Most of all, I liked the game of Affleck and Pitt - the main characters of the picture, they are certainly irreplaceable.
At the same time, the film, in addition to an interesting and skillfully played story, can offer the viewer a very beautiful picture, which is the merit of the operator Roger Deakins, who worked on many famous paintings and was repeatedly nominated for an Oscar. And not only to watch, but also to listen to this picture is a pleasure - the soundtrack, which is a joint work of composers Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, throughout the film created the right atmosphere.
With a good 20 to 30 minutes left before the end of this story, I paused the film and quickly replayed everything I had seen in the previous 130 minutes in my head and came to the conclusion that this picture had no flaws. Everything is at its best - acting, plot, technical performance. All that remained was to see the ending, which would finally approve the final assessment. And it also did not fail and turned out to be the most logical and correct.
Therefore, I recommend to all lovers of great cinema to watch this film. And do not be afraid of its duration - time will pass unnoticed. I guarantee it.
10 out of 10
