The title of Andrew Dominik’s 2007 western is almost as long as it’s 2 hour 40 minute runtime . The film, which Mark Kermode described as a “neglected masterpiece”, was overlooked by critics when it was released mainly due to the fact it was released during the same year as the Coen brother’s “No country for old men” as well as Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There will be blood” which both dominated the Oscars and box office. Despite its humble beginnings as the third Western which came out during that fateful year, the film has been slowly but surely been getting the recognition it deserves.
The film itself (as the title suggests) is about the assassination of famed gunslinger Jesse James (Brad Pitt) by obsessive fanboy/ gang member Robert Ford played brilliantly by Casey Affleck. Although the Film is set in the gritty depths of the Wild West, it is arguable whether or not the film itself is a Western as it focuses more on character driven story rather than action sequences and shootouts. For me, the film is more akin to Shakespearian drama as it follows a plot of jealousy, idolisation, betrayal and tragedy.
The relationship between Jesse and Robert is what drives the narrative. Robert Ford’s obsession with the celebrity outlaw slowly turns into Jealousy and eventually hatred, as he realises his hero is just a flawed and paranoid character who seems to know his end his near. Pitt’s performance humanises the infamous Jesse James. The man who the newspapers portray as a legendary rootin’ tootin’ gunslinger who steals from the rich and gives to the poor actually lives a quite, reserved life moving from town to town with his family to avoid the authorities. We can feel Ford’s bittersweet resentment for Jesse increasing as the film goes on. What was once admiration turns into envy as time progresses. In truth, Ford wants to be Jesse James and hopes killing him will make him a western hero. Instead, the news of the outlaw’s death is met by the mourning of the American public. In a strange twist of fates, Ford becomes famous for the wrong reason and becomes a lighting rod for the scorn and hate of the public. On top of Pitt’s and Affleck’s performances, Sam Rockwell and Jeremy Renner stand out solidly as members of Jesse’s gang.
Rodger Ebert lent his acclaimed cinematography to this film. The distinct visual look was inspired by old photographs of the west as well as the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. This gives the rolling hills of 19th century America a grainy, yellow aesthetic which almost seems like archival footage from a historical documentary. Establishing shots of new settings throughout the narrative are curiously tinted/blurred around the edges which further give the film a beautiful and unique aesthetic which resembles an old time camera. The raw and almost untouched natural scenery used throughout the film sets the stage for a sometimes bleak and intimidating surrounding, connoting the idea that the west is not a place for the faint hearted or cowards (Robert Ford).
All in all, this beautifully shot and brilliantly acted masterpiece is not only visually stunning, but deeply touching. The tense relationship which drives the narrative forward is ultimately tragic and even visceral. I would recommend this film to anyone who has a taste for character driven story and is a patient viewer. This truly is Dominik’s masterpiece.
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