Director: Andrew Dominik
Writer: Andrew Dominik (Screenplay) Ron Hansen (Novel)
Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Mary-Louise Parker, Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner, Sam Shepard, Garret Dillahunt
Plot: The story of how Robert Ford (Affleck) becomes part of Jesse James’ (Pitt) gang before becoming shooting him in the back and becoming known as the Coward Robert Ford.
Verdict: Very good look at the life and death of Jesse James and Robert Ford
Story: The story is told with an overall narration telling how each of the members of the gang meets their fates be it through the sheriffs, Jesse himself or other members of the gang. Even though we know what is going to happen in the end we are still given enough to keep us guessing to how it will come about if you don’t know the real story. The story is told very well and keeps you interested from start to finish and is a very good history lesson about one of America’s biggest iconic characters. (10/10)
Actor Review: Brad Pitt – Jesse James has never been shown in a more real character before, he has always been a gun slinging bad guy, and this makes him out to be the American version of Robin Hood. Pitt shines in this role and makes James one of the most likeable characters in American history. (9/10)
Actor Review: Casey Affleck – Robert Ford is always seen as just the coward that killed Jesse James, with this we see what motivated him into competing the crime and how James went from idol to friend to enemy in the space of a couple of years. Casey shines in what could be considered his breakout performance stepping up from just supporting role to being considered a real lead in film. Star Performance Award, Breakout Performance Award (9/10)
Actor Review: Sam Rockwell – Charley Ford plays Robert brother who gets him in the gang and becomes his stage partner playing Jesse James as Robert re-performs the murder on stage. Rockwell always gives string performances and this shows even next to one of the best he can handle it and very under rated performance due to the high quality achieved by the other two. (9/10)
Director Review: Andrew Dominik – Great direction throughout showing after Chopper he knows what he is doing make each scene top level cinema. (9/10)
Thriller: Very thrilling about the outcome of the characters. (8/10)
Believability: Good story about what happened to the Jesse James Gang. (9/10)
Chances of Tears: None (0/10)
Settings: Very authentic scenery throughout the story (9/10)
Oscar Chances: Got nominated for two Oscars
Chances of Sequel: None
Suggestion: Very good historic story that people who don’t know the story of Jesse James should really enjoy it. It may not appeal to the more casual film fan as it is shown in a slow pace, if you do watch it you will be rewarded by some great cinema. (Watch)
Best Part: Affleck’s performance
Similar Too: Lincoln
Overall: Masterpiece History lesson
Lesley’s Rating 70%
My Rating 94%
