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Review by David DiMichele

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The story telling and direction alone are what makes this classic western watchable. For the most part, the direction by Andrew Dominik is flawless. The way he captures the rugged, worn-out South has to be seen to be believed. Painstakingly beautiful, the mountainous landscapes, fast-passing skies, nights filled with robbery, and snowy downfalls prove to be the movie’s strongest points. The cinematography, which cloaks certain parts of the movie in a blurry haze, add to the feeling of the “fantasy” or “myth” of Jesse James. Dominik (Chopper) also does a fabulous job with the storytelling. The title gives away the ending ahead of time, but we never really have the feeling that we know exactly how the ending is going to pan out. Although we know what Jesse James is in for, it never really crosses our mind during the movie because we are entirely focused on the scenery and the elegant storytelling.

Claiming the top acting prize at Venice is no joke and Brad Pitt is dynamite. But let's not forget Casey Affleck’s portrayal of a man confused - he matches Pitt note for note. And having Pitt play the role of Jesse James is perfect. Like Jesse, Brad projects a certain image and has plenty of admirers, so why not have him play the role of a man who has a powerful impact on a young lad, inspiring him to want to be just like Jesse Jame? We all know what happened to the crazed fan of Beatle John Lennon.

The story begins in 1881, the last days of the infamous criminal Jesse James. He, his brother Frank (Sam Shepherd), and their James gang have just finished off their last train robbery. As Jesse kills an unarmed man, we see by his face that he has had enough of this. They get word that everyone is going to be looking for them, so they all go off their separate ways. But that doesn’t stop one of the gang members from turning the names in. Jesse doesn’t want his family to be hurt by this and he certainly doesn't want his two children to know exactly what it is he does for a living. In his other life, he goes by the name of Thomas Howard and puts on a different face and attitude while taking his kids to school, to church, and while eating at the dinner table.

When we first meet the 19-year-old Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) he’s telling Frank “I’m destined for great things.” He sure is. As soon as he lays eyes on Jesse James for the first time, he’s lost for words. It’s the same man he read about in the pocket books that he has tucked away underneath his bed; the same man who has some of the characteristics he has. When the time comes to talk to him, Robert tells Jesse how he used to picture what he and his brother Frank looked like. He glorifies Jesse but says not a word about Frank. Jesse finds something he likes about Robert and invites him into his home to meet his wife and children.

The Assassination is an intense character study, focused mainly on Robert Ford. When he shoots Jesse in the back, he feels at ease when it’s done. Running down to put a telegram in to say that he has killed Jesse James, we see the ecstasy he feels at first. Take for example the scene when Robert and his brother (Sam Rockwell) are talking in a wheat field about capturing Jesse. Robert reveals his soul to him and says “I used to see him as a legend but now, only as a human being.” Now that he realizes what Jesse is capable of, he doesn’t find that attractive at all.

But is it necessary to call Robert a coward? Everyone who is on Jesse’s side sees the heinous crimes that he has been committing but no one ever steps up to tell him it's wrong. He rules his followers with fear. When news gets out that the authorities want Jesse James dead or alive, nobody acts except for the so-called coward. Jesse in turn goes from house to house, city to city, dismantling his James gang one by for fear of one of them double-crossing him.

During the last twenty minutes or so, the movie takes on a Zodiac-like approach. It’s in the scenes that follow after Jesse’s death that the movie hits top form. In Zodiac we see the result of what happens to someone's morale and character when they become obsessed with something and dedicate their whole lives to it. During these scenes, we track Robert and see how his life has been affected by the deed he set out to do. It has taken it's toll on him and we realize what his true feeling are. It's really simple: he killed his hero.

At 160 minutes, the movie is long, but complaining about it is ridiculous. This is an intricate film that uses every second to create a near epic. Anything less and the movie would have been uneven.

Film Rating: *** 1/2 out of ****

[Official Movie Site]

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Comments (3)

Casey is a major talent!

While Brad did won the best Actor here in one of the biggest film fest (I think Berlin, correct me if I'm wrong! ) BUT Casey Affleck is simply amazing here. His understated acting is one of the most rewarding movie experience IMO.

This part of the review is what I like best:

During the last twenty minutes or so, the movie takes on a Zodiac-like approach. It’s in the scenes that follow after Jesse’s death that the movie hits top form. In Zodiac we see the result of what happens to someone's morale and character when they become obsessed with something and dedicate their whole lives to it. During these scenes, we track Robert and see how his life has been affected by the deed he set out to do. It has taken it's toll on him and we realize what his true feeling are. It's really simple: he killed his hero.

Aside from 3:10 to Yuma, and No Country, this is one hell of a movie with a Western flavour/slant!

jedmed , December 17, 2007

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yea you're right....that last 20minutes really sold it for me....this movie is slowly working its way into my top 10....and i thyink Pitt won the award for the Venice film festival....but Affleck had a great year for this and GONE BABY GONE...hope Oscar awards one of these people, at least a nomination

dimichele305 , December 17, 2007

casey affleck.

is amazing. No doubt with brad. but, casey is indescribable with his acting. as usual. ;]

tiffany go.:) , April 01, 2008

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