The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

[Bourne101]

Most people on here know that I am a big fan of this film. When I first saw it, I loved it, but didn't entirely know just how much. The second time I saw it, I loved it even more, but it was still only in the middle-end portion of my top 25 of the decade. Right now, after probably 4-5 additional re-watches, it sits firmly in the #2 spot, and I imagine will eventually hit the #1 spot. Dominik combines the mystic quality of a Terrence Malick film with the narrative strength of a Coen Brothers film. The first time you see it, it's kind of difficult to see the big picture and it may even feel bloated, but as you're watching it on subsequent viewings, you realize just how masterfully structured is, both visually and narratively.

On top of that, it boasts a hell of a cast, including Pitt, Affleck, Rockwell, Renner, Shepard, Schneider and a brilliant Dillahunt. Affleck was the one who initially got all of the praise, and deservedly so, but over time it has become apparent to me that this is Pitt's best performance. Generally in a Pitt film I can't wait for him to come on screen because of how entertaining he is to watch, but in this film I couldn't wait for his presence because of how much tension he is able to generate through his mannerisms and chillingly calm demeanor. It's just fascinating to watch this character being consumed by paranoia and picking off every last one of his friends before eventually being picked off by the one who idolizes him the most. It's completely different from anything Pitt has done in the past.

So, what are everyone's thoughts on this film? If you've only seen it once and weren't a fan, I'd give it another watch sometime in the future. You may not end up liking it more, but for many of you, I have a sneaking suspicion that you will.

Oh yeah, and the score is on another level from most scores we've heard over the past 10 years or so.

[echo_bravo]

Rewatched this not too long ago.
Just an incredible film. Very different type of western too.

I did make a thread awhile back that I wasn't a big fan of the title. but thats really the only thing I dislike about the film. One of my friends I watched it with wanted it to have more action in it but I thought it was fine. Even though there wasnt as much action, there was tons of character developement(which is the most important thing imo)

Also, did anyone else feel like there was a type of Tyler Durden feel to Pitt's character? My friends and I felt there was some similarities between Pitt/Affleck & Pitt/Norton.

Speaking of Pitt, it was criminal that he didnt get an Oscar nod. Should of been nominated over Clooney and Depp imo. Pitt was flat out ruthless as hell in this.

[Matchbox225]

Count me in as another fan of the movie.

I agree it's Pitt's best performance. The whole cast was excellent.

The cinematography is just beautiful, escpecially the shot of the train coming down the tracks before they rob it.

I think the assassination scene will become a classic scene down the road, if it isn't already. They already did the Yogi Bear spoof with it.

[Frosty_86]

This is an amazing movie. I remember loving it the first time I saw it but I have enjoyed it even more after every subsequent viewing. The performances are amazing all around. I think every actor involved really do give career bests especially Pitt and Affleck. It truly is criminal Pitt didn't get nominated. Garrett Dillahunt and Sam Rockwell deserve more exposure after this movie. It's also criminal that Dominik did not receive any directing recognition either. This movie really did get screwed all the way around. Though I guess it is a bit of a hard sell. The score is haunting as hell. Every time I think of this movie I can't help but hear it.

It's funny that Bourne says it's like a combination of Malick and the Coen Brothers because when I saw it I thought "damn this guy has taken the best things about Malick and infused it with the Coen Brothers."

[jaw2929]

This movie is fucking brilliant indeed. Loved Pitt and Affleck's performances. Totally forgot about Renner being in it as well... Time to watch it again!

[Cop No. 633]

I love the film. It has to be Roger Deakins' most beautiful work as a cinematographer. The whole film is eye candy. Every shot is perfect in its own way. I always wonder what exactly Andrew Dominick told Deakins before they shot the film because there's just something extra special about the visuals.

I have also listened to Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' score many, many times whenever I'm working on a script. It's definitely my favorite score of the last decade too.

[bigred760]

I really need to re-watch this underrated classic. I saw it once in theaters, loved it, and haven't seen it since. I think this might be a future blu-ray purchase. Just a matter of when.

[ilovemovies]

I think it's a shame the last 10-20 minutes are told mostly through voice over. In many it's actually the most compelling material of the movie and instead of the movie SHOWING us this, it TELLS us. Really disappointing.

Otherwise, it's a great film. Definitely a very flawed movie, but still great. Cinematography wise it is definitely one of the most gorgeous movies EVER! I think maybe the movie spends a little too much time on the secondary characters. But again, it's still great with solid work by both Pitt and Affleck.

[DaMovieMan]

Yeah you can definitely count me in that group that was completely underwhelmed by this film on first viewing.

I never understood the praise it got from the community, felt like it was 30-40m too long, and remember not being too impressed by the story. The cinematography and especially the score, which I still listen to regularly, are the only things that truly impressed me with this one.

But, I will give it another go just to see if I'd still feel the same way.

[kobe8byrant]

I am in total agreement with DaMovieMan. Had it been half an hour shorter prior to James' shooting, I am sure I would have liked it much, much more.

[rustysyringe]

Affleck was aces. Dude certainly has crazy down pat as also evidenced in Killer Inside Me. Of course he is great at other things as well as he is just one of the best working today. Brad Pitt was Brad Pitt, nothing special but did ok. Rest of the cast did a fine job too. No one else really stood out as this was clearly Affleck and Pitts movie.

As to the movie itself, it was ok. I personally wouldn't call it a classic. It certainly isn't in the league of Unforgiven, True Grit, or the Proposition. Better than average but not great. However, to me that rating is probably mostly due to Affleck's performance. Remove him from the equation and this is probably a stinker.

[DaveyJoeG]

My favorite movie of 2007. This is an excellent film with great performances and beautiful cinematography. I agree that this is Pitt's best performance, he's wild and unpredictable, he definitely ratchets up the tension whenever he's on screen. He seemed like he was on the verge of exploding at any second. What an impressive debut feature for the director.

[AspectRatio1986]

In another thread I just mentioned the opening to this film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2gY_e1ZKD8

I love this movie, the score is absolutely hypnotizing. My only regret is that I bought the dvd used at Blockbuster a few years ago, this is a must own in high definition.

[jaw2929]

Originally Posted by rustysyringe

It certainly isn't in the league of Unforgiven, True Grit, or the Proposition.

Got that right, it's way high above those.

[DaMovieMan]

Originally Posted by jaw2929

Got that right, it's way high above those.

True Grit, and The Proposition, ok I can somehow understand that though I personally think The Proposition is criminally underrated.

But you honestly think Assassination... is better than Unforgiven? You sir, must be mad.

[ilovemovies]

I agree that it's better than The Proposition and True Grit but nowhere near as great as Unforgiven.

True Grit - 7/10
The Proposition - 7/10
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - 8/10
Unforgiven - 9/10

[jaw2929]

Originally Posted by DaMovieMan

But you honestly think Assassination... is better than Unforgiven? You sir, must be mad.

Mad as a hatter!

Nah, I'll need to give Unforgiven a rewatch.... But I remember watching it many years ago and thinking "Pretty over-rated really".

Admittedly, I need to rewatch a lotta movies I initially didn't care for and see if I change my mind on 'em. I'm not a HUGE western flick guy to begin with. My favourites would be this one, There Will Be Blood and 3:10 Yuma remake.

[rustysyringe]

Originally Posted by jaw2929

Mad as a hatter!

Nah, I'll need to give Unforgiven a rewatch.... But I remember watching it many years ago and thinking "Pretty over-rated really".

Admittedly, I need to rewatch a lotta movies I initially didn't care for and see if I change my mind on 'em. I'm not a HUGE western flick guy to begin with. My favourites would be this one, There Will Be Blood and 3:10 Yuma remake.

I can tell by the picks you are not a Western fan. There Will Be Blood isn't really a western in the true sense of the word. But that is a great movie, in my top 10 in fact. 3:10 is a very good western but not great. Although Ben Foster is fucking awesome in it. One of the best despicable characters in recent memory. A slime ball of the highest order and he nailed it.

You mention Unforgiven and overrated and that's exactly what I think of Assassination. To me, without Affleck, this isn't even average. But much like Foster in 3:10, Affleck hit this role out of the park. Not just a slime ball but a creepy slime ball. He is so good it elevates the movie quite a bit. In fact I could watch it again just for him.

[echo_bravo]

Originally Posted by DaveyJoeG

What an impressive debut feature for the director.

I believe Chopper is actually his debut film

[jz68]

One of the greatest Westerns of all time. It's a shame that more people don't appreciate it.

[JCPhoenix]

Throw me in the firm love crowd for this one. I thought No Country was the best movie that year but this was my personal favourite. I actually haven't seen Unforgiven but I'd put this easily above True Grit and The Proposition.

I do agree with ilovemovies in some ways that the last twenty minutes were full of compelling material that would've been better shown than told. But that just means I would easily watch MORE of this movie. I hope some day we will see the four-hour cut.

[SLADE775]

I love this movie.

Incredible soundtrack as well.

[Sheriff Jigsaw]

I've only watched this the once so I'll definetely be giving a re-watch sometime soon I can remember feeling very uncomfortable watching Affleck's character. Very interesting echo_bravo to hear you saw a comparison between fight clubs Pitt & Norton I'll certainly be taking a closer look at this scenario myself.

[ThunderStorm]

Just watched this movie for the first time tonight and I was completely blown away. The sound track was just awesome as well as the cinematography. Affleck's character freaked me out, but he was also a tragic hero of sorts in my opinion. Brad Pitt did a great job playing an unhinged, ruthless outlaw. What a great movie.

[the clever guy]

Where's Jim?
Where's Jim?

Where's Jim?!

Where's Jim?!?

Where's Jim?!?!?!?


WHERE'S JIM?! WHERE'S JIM?!?!?!?


WHERE'S JIM?!?!?!?

Yeah, just saw this movie recently, and was hesitant at first until I let it all sink in. The score, to me, was what really put the movie into it's element. Nick Cave certainly made the movie more foreboding than what your initial thoughts would be. Obviously, everyone knows the story and even if you didn't, the title gives it away. The movie itself kept you on your toes thinking something bad was right around the corner, also with the help of Cave's score.

And I must say this: the shooting scenes in this movie are by and far the most realistic shootings ever conceived on film. When the shootout in the attic happened, I was blown away by it's realism. Guns back in the day misfired constantly and the bullets hardly ever traversed in a direct and straight trajectory. That's why I find Westerns with 20 pace shootouts to be somewhat ridiculous, as there was really only one recorded shootout of that magnitude...and it was from "Wild Bill" Hickok...who allegedly was lucky with that one shot which killed his opponent.

Pitt -awesome. Affleck - fucking creeper. Rockwell - well...he was Rockwell. Everyone else - amazing. Robbed of everything at the Academy....much like Sideways (I only mention that because I watched it just last night).

[PSU80]

Yeah, I agree with the thread author.

The first time I saw it, it was already a half hour in and by the end of the movie, I felt a little distant from it. The second time I made sure to watch it from front to back and at the end, I was awestruck.

[MovieMaster]

I loved the flick but when I talk about it with my non-movie nerd friends I always have to describe it as the most beautifully boring film ever. The story is amazing but for the average movie goer the film is way too slow for them to keep interest in. I need to rewatch this some time. I have only seen it once so a second viewing might be happening soon.

[Bourne101]

Just watched it again last night and it is officially my #1 film of the last decade. I can't think of one scene that isn't a knock out of the park. The scene where they all have dinner while Dick is hiding in the closet is so intense it makes me squirm. And maybe it is just because I have seen it several times, but I don't find the film to be boring for a second. It doesn't move along at a rapid pace, but it really is an intense film that always keeps your mind engaged. I love the ambiguity of Jesse's visit with Ed Miller. Did Jesse really just "happen by", or did he know what Ed was up to? I'm inclined to believe the former, because it would indicate the beginning of Jesse slipping a bit and not keeping up with people talking behind his back. Either way though, such a great scene. Garret Dillahunt is a really overlooked talent. He's great in everything he is in.

[xseanymacx]

Easy 9/10 for me. The scene mentioned some posts back, with the train approaching and the shadows that fall over the masked faces--this shot is burned in my memory. Absolutely stunning.

Fantastic acting, fantastic characters, absolutely stunning to look at.

[Frosty_86]

I wish to hell we could get the four hour cut of this movie.

[creekin111]

The pacing keeps this film from being great but its still very good.

[AspectRatio1986]

Originally Posted by Frosty_86

I wish to hell we could get the four hour cut of this movie.

I always think the same about The Road...obviously I loved it, but I heard the original cut was around 4 hours...

[Scarface98.9]

I loved the first act of the movie, I love the third act of the movie, but holy hell was it hard to sit through the second act. I can see why a lot of people like it, why a lot don't, and what the director was going for. He wanted a Terrence Malick feel but I just wasn't feeling this movie during that section. It's a frustrating movie to me because there's a lot I love about it but the pieces don't all fit together for me

[Cop No. 633]

Originally Posted by Scarface98.9

I loved the first act of the movie, I love the third act of the movie, but holy hell was it hard to sit through the second act. I can see why a lot of people like it, why a lot don't, and what the director was going for. He wanted a Terrence Malick feel but I just wasn't feeling this movie during that section. It's a frustrating movie to me because there's a lot I love about it but the pieces don't all fit together for me

I get what you're saying because that's exactly how I feel about most of Terrence Malick's movies. For me, the whole is never greater than the sum of its parts. His films are always lacking something for me and I wasn't sure what it was until I read your post. I actually didn't mind the leisurely pace the Assassination of Jesse James... because I found the characters and the actors very interesting. They carried the movie more than the story, which I really enjoyed. Now that I think about it, I don't think I ever really found any of Malick's characters to be interesting. I admire what he's going for with his films, but there's always something sophomoric about how he writes people.

[Scarface98.9]

Originally Posted by Cop No. 633

I get what you're saying because that's exactly how I feel about most of Terrence Malick's movies. For me, the whole is never greater than the sum of its parts. His films are always lacking something for me and I wasn't sure what it was until I read your post. I actually didn't mind the leisurely pace the Assassination of Jesse James... because I found the characters and the actors very interesting. They carried the movie more than the story, which I really enjoyed. Now that I think about it, I don't think I ever really found any of Malick's characters to be interesting. I admire what he's going for with his films, but there's always something sophomoric about how he writes people.

I've seen a few Malick movies and I feel like I should like them a lot more than I actually do. I loved Badlands and love its feel, characters, and how everything came together. However, while his movies after it tend to look gorgeous, most just come off as boring and having the same trends. I can only hear so much soft whispering about nature and the way of life before I'm ejecting the DVD player

[DaMovieMan]

Originally Posted by Frosty_86

I wish to hell we could get the four hour cut of this movie.

It needs to get in line behind The Thin Red Line and the 6 hour cut we keep hearing about. (It's never gonna happen, I know)

Anyway, after watching that Killing Me Softly clip and hearing all this sky-high praise, I definitely need to see this again.

[SpikeDurden]

This is my favorite live action film of the last decade. The only film I hold in higher esteem is Wall-E.