Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!, 14 April 2008
'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' is the story of the last few months in the life of Jesse James, America's most notorious criminal back in the late 1800's who was wanted by the law in 10 states. He was also considered a hero, thought of as a Robin Hood by the public - stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Robert "Bobby" Ford, a 19 year old nobody who idolizes Jesse James, befriends the famous outlaw, joins his gang and gains his trust and confidence,before he eventually become his downfall.
There hasn't been many decent Westerns for ages, then two come along at once - 3:10 to Yuma and this. Although 'The Assassination of Jesse James...' isn't as action-packed and exciting as 3:10 to Yuma, I think that the characters, the dialogue and beautiful camerawork is much better. The story is extremely tense, moving at a slow pace to build up the tension, with some real shocks throughout. You know Jesse's fate from the moment you read the title of the movie but finding out how and why Robert Ford is a coward is the true mystery that unfolds over the 2 and a half hours.
Brad Pitt plays the infamous Jesse James very well and, in my opinion, this is one of the best performances I've seen him in for a long time, perhaps even out-doing his roles as Tyler Durden (Fight Club) and Jeffery Goines (12 Monkeys). The real star of the show for me was Casy Affleck with his fantastic performance as Robert Ford. The whole time from the moment you meet him until the closing scene he comes across as likeable yet couldn't trust him due to his mysteriousness and his obsession with James. The characters all work well together and are a real believeable cast.
Another thing that really impressed me with this movie is the truly remarkable camerawork with some of the most breathtaking scenery that I have seen in a film ever. From the dusty, dark woods to the snow cover mountains - there is never a scene where the background is nothing but beautiful.
This DVD edition also comes with a nicely packaged hardback booklet with some of the history and timelines from the Jesse James legend and some great photos from the movie. The special feature on the extra disc is a documentary called "Death of an Outlaw" which gives more facts on the life of Jesse James as well as some behind the scenes footage from the movie and interviews with the cast. Definitely worth the additional pound or two for this special edition.
Overall this is a fantastic movie that I will definitely be watching again soon. There's not a lot of bad points about it other than it can be a little slow at times, which may put off some viewers, but this is totally made up for by one of the best stories I've seen in ages. Well worth a watch and I highly recommend this DVD.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gob-smackingly brilliant, 6 Mar 2008
I was actually able to catch this at the cinema (where it stayed for all of 2 seconds) and could hardly believe what I was seeing: it is unconventional, without a doubt - slow paced, meditative, but what a fantastic piece of drama. A story about almost Shakespearian-level betrayl it moves slowly towards it's inevitable conclusion.
Casey Affleck is incredible as the young starry-eyd aspiring James Gang member, and this is really HIS film about the journey from idol-worship to idol-loathing. The final half an hour of the film, although in theory 'aftermath' is actually what gives us the full rounding of the tale, a kind of jaw-dropping life-meets-art-meets-life-again turn of events.
I was about ready to write off Brad Pitt after his recent spate of so-so performances but here, he's transcendant as the unknowable, mythical figure of James. Although it's Robert Ford's story, James makes the ride worthwhile - his sporadic appearances and wild mood changes push the story forward, and Pitt plays it all like some elemental black-coated mystery guest ("pity my wife...'aint no rest when Jesse's around")
Conventional though it 'aint - very little 'western' style action, it's all about the characters and the story.
In the end, the film leaves a lot of questions unanswered, and that was OK for me because the main tale is told, and you are left to ponder upon things like fame and infamy and the unreliability of history: Ford and James both commit the same crimes(s) - that is made totally clear, but one was held up a hero, the other cast down and mocked.
Special mention to the cinematography and music - the music is beautiful, I have bought the soundtrack already! And the look of the film - some shots even look like old photos, blurry at the edges etc...all perfect.
Apparently the whole thing was delayed because they couldn't decide how to cut it, but it was worth the wait.
As near a perfect film experience as I have had this year so far.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A stunning piece of cinema, 1 April 2008
Overall 2007 was a standout year - a year that was a throwback to the 1970's, a golden age in American cinema. Yet no film left me as stunned as `The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford'. This film truly is a masterpiece.
I suspect like 'Citizen Kane' before it, time will be kind and `The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' will gain the legendary status and fame it so richly deserves. A stunning piece of art -this DVD belongs in any serious cinema lovers collection.
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