The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (DVD, 2008)

The film is the story of young Robert Ford, known to history as a coward, and his transformation from hero-worshipping gunslinger wannabe to disillusioned cynic. But that doesn't really explain the appeal of the 160 minute film. Instead, you have to look at what's happening just below the surface. Dominik, who wrote the screenplay from Ron Hansen's book, delves deep into the characters and brings an almost biblical sense of destiny to them, recasting Christ as James and Judas, his betrayer, in the form of Bob Ford.

Jesse James, one of the most notorious outlaws in the history of America, from Andrew Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James.
When the final moment of James' young life comes (he was only 34 when he was killed, and yet an international superstar) there is no choice for Ford. He must kill James because history demands it of him. In fact, they way the scene plays out, James himself demands it. Everything in the previous two plus hours leads directly to the moment when Ford points a new gun, given to him by James a day earlier, at an unarmed Jesse's back. The target is presented and the shot taken. All goes according to plan and the outlaw is not only dead, but immortal; a martyr to a bygone era and patron saint to the rebel cause. At that point, I think you'd be hard pressed to think of Ford as a coward. It isn't until later in his life, as he retreats from his own past that his bravery really comes into question.

Casey Affleck stars as the coward Robert Ford in The Assassination of Jesse James.

However, this would be close to impossible without the performances of not only Affleck and Pitt, but the amazing supporting cast as well. Affleck is rapidly proving himself to be the one with acting talent in the family. He only gets better as he matures and I don't think it will be long before he has a statue to match his brother's. Pitt's performance is no surprise, but mostly because he's not in a leading man role. As a character actor, when he's not asked to play himself, he has serious chops which often get overlooked in favor of his pretty-boy face. Backing these two are Sam Rockwell as Charley Ford and Jeremy Renner, Garret Dillahunt and Paul Schneider as members of the James Gang. No matter which of these men are on the screen, you are riveted by the honesty in their portrayals.

A MUST SEE MOVIE
OVRALL
8.5/10

While I love Westerns and Brad Pitt is one of my fave actors. This movie was a little slow for my taste. The movie didn't pick up until almost the end. I have to say though that Casey Afleck was superb as Bob Ford the coward who killed Jesse James. He gave a very strong performance and shows tremendous talent for the bad guy. While he isn't as sexy as his brother Ben, I think he still has sexy potential. Keep an eye out for this kid and check out Gone, Baby Gone he gives a good performance there too.Sam Rockwell as Charlie Ford was equally strong in his performance and I have become a big fan of his. He is a fine actor and is completely believable in any role I have seen him in thus far.

as always a great performance from brad pitt with no complaints about the rest of the cast pitt is truly one of the best actors of his generation while the actor playing the coward robert ford plays the role with an almost creepy smarmy charm believe it or not the movies almost makes you feel like you are alive back then and you are almost feel pulled into ths storyline also near the ending scenes of the movie when they are in the old saloon and nick cave is plating and singing the song about robert fors it seems to pull it altogether especially with the soundtrack done by warren ellis and nick cave

This is one of the best western movies ever made! I can see why some people didn't like it, but for people who love documentories, it is the best! I still do not understand why they did not open the film in more places when it was at the theaters. It was almost like they just made it for dvd only. I am now waiting on the book which the film was made after, and cannot wait for that as well. Pitt was brilliant as James, and Casey A., also brilliant as R. Ford. In my opinion, the man who played Charlie Ford also should recieve applause for his work. I hope in the future more docudramas are going to be made. A must for history buffs! It leaves you wanting more info on the life of J. James and F. James. I wish the movie went into detail about what happend with Frank after Jesse died. He went on trial and would love to know! Pitt, please do more!Addysmom11

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FIRST THEN BOUGHT IT -- IT IS AN UNUSUAL AND AN UNUSUALLY GOOD MOVIE -- IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A TYPICAL "SHOOT EM UP", DON'T BUY THIS ONE -- THIS IS A CHARACTER MOVIE WHICH PRESENTS A GREAT BIT OF DEPTH AND A COMPLETELY NEW SLANT ON THE DEATH OF JESSE JAMES... WE'VE ALWAYS ACCEPTED THE TWO DIMENSIONAL VIEW I.E. JESSE WAS A "ROBIN HOOD" HERO WHILE BOB WAS A CRAVEN COWARD.. THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT. BRAD PITT AND CASEY AFFLECK DO A SUPERB JOB OF SUBTLE (SOMETIMES NOT SO SUBTLE) CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.. HERE JESSE IS A BUDDING PSYCHOPATH AND BOB IS A HUMAN BEING TRAPPED BY CIRCUMSTANCES, NOT AT ALL A COWARD.. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THOUGHT PROVOKING THINGS IN THIS MOVIE -- DON'T MISS THE REFLECTIONS IN THE GLASS..ANOTHER COOL THING IS THAT THE GUNS ARE PROPER AS IS THE HISTORICAL SEQUENCE OF EVENTS. ACTUALLY, AS FAR AS HISTORY GOES, IT FITS -- I LIKE IT !!!!!!!!!!