De-mythologising the West

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - 4.5/5

A film that saddled not only with a title that is more of a plot summary, but also with a delayed release that would usually have most people smelling an early Christmas Turkey. What has actually arrived is probably not what was expected, certainly not a traditional western, so slow paced that its almost ponderous, largely lacking in action, but, despite all that, utterly compelling.

In only his second feature after 2000's Chopper, director Andrew Dominik has produced a beautiful, elegaical look at one of the American Wild West's legends, which does not buy into the myth, but instead offers a thought provoking look a man whose popular image in the media served to disguise a brutality and savageness in his dealings. Brad Pitt is superb in the role - moody, melancholic, increasingly mistrustful of those around him. James' (and Pitt's charm comes to the fore in early scenes and is then shattered by the odd moment of complete brutality). As the film progresses he becomes increasingly haunted, but remain powerful and in control of the situation, even, interestingly, in the moment of his assassination. Above all, he is a man who rules by fear.

Contrasted with him is Casey Affleck's Bob Ford - a nervous, but eager young man who gradually shifts from sycophantic idolising of James to plotting his downfall. If Pitt is superb, Affleck more than matches him and as the film explores the shifting relationship between the two it calls into question not only its own unwieldy title, but also the way that the two men have been viewed in popular perceptions. Was Ford a coward? Did James know what was coming and had he reached a point where he wanted it to end?

The is also able support from the likes of Sam Rockwell at his more restrained as Ford's older brother. The women, unfortunately are much poorer served - the excellent Mary-Louise Parker and Zooey Deschanel with barely a line between them.

The whole is beautiful shot, showing the barren bleakness of the country in a way that is eye-catching. It's certainly one of the darkest westerns you'll see, not just in terms of mood, but also in lighting - much of the action happens by fire or lamplight or at twilight or on dark winter days. It certainly creates a foreboding yet beautiful vision of the times.

For a film that's well over two hours long, but contains surprisingly little action, this is wonderfully done, brilliantly acted, beautifully shot and surprisingly engaging.