| The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - 8/10 or ****/***** stars A sorrowful, haunting, and epic western/character study about the final days of notorious American outlaw and larger-than-life figure Jesse James, which examines a theme of fame and its various effects on people. Brad Pitt, in possibly the role of his career, delivers a terrific, Oscar-worthy performance as one of the titular characters, a man who's deeply regretful of the terrible deeds he's committed, on the verge of losing his sanity, tired of the world, and who loathes the creature he's become. Casey Affleck holds his own, scene after scene, against Pitt as the other titular character, Robert Ford, a creepy, insecure 19-year-old who worships James as if he were a god. In addition to the superb performances, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford boasts gorgeous cinematography and a downright eerie and brilliant score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis that makes the visuals even more stunning. Despite a near three-hour running length and slow pace, The Assassination of Jesse James… is an absorbing picture. Strider |