The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) has always idolized the gun-slinger Jesse James (Brad Pitt). The 19-year old gets an opportunity to shadow his idol. Ford fawns over James, studies his existence, covets his aura, and strives to be him. His friends mock him for his hero-worship; James belittles him for it. Tension builds between the two, the journey to assassination becomes a sadistic dance between Ford and James that explodes with gut-wrenching consequences.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a beautifully-wrought narrative of the legendary bandit. Writer/directer Andrew Dominik has crafted an exquisite character drama, that owes much of it's success to Pitt and Affleck.

Brad Pitt play James an vulnerable and enigmatic. Demanding and harsh with his gang yet gentle and soft-spoken with his children, Pitt is riveting. James is dark, brooding, merry, and rambunctious. Years of villainy take it's tole, aging James beyond his 40 years. As the film paces, so does James. He coils like a viper, ready to strike. In contrast, is Affleck. Ford is fresh-faced and eager. He yearns for respect, dreams of grandeur have him wanting to be part of something big, but his admiration becomes obsession. Somewhere along the way, Ford loses that pretty boy sparkle and develops a creepy neurosis Both actors render powerful performances. Supporting characters played by the likes of Sam Rockwell, Sam Shepard, and Mary Louise Parker further the story and these two characters incredibly.

The cinematography is stunning. The imagery speaks volumes with careful fades in and out, shots through rippled glass windows, distortions, and breathtaking scenic vistas. The sets and costuming truly take you back to the 1800s. There are truly too many scenes to mention, but two standout. The nighttime sequence of the train robbery in Kentucky is brilliantly executed. The light filtering through the trees, James silhouetted against the train's light, shadowed figures emerging from the steams. It's breathtaking. Equally memorable, is Ford at the well pump, water splashing into the bucket. Ford's hands cupping and splashing--the water drops stand out as individuals--Ford's obsession' clearly represented and mounting.

The screenplay is eloquent; the narration is styled like a documentary and serves to advance the film beautifully. The dialogue feels like a natural, albeit haunting chemistry between our characters. The score is evokes intoxicating emotion. We feel not only tension, but paranoia, love, sadness, fear, adoration--all the facets of a compelling story.

As the film builds to it's final deception, there is one final scene to recount. James, Ford, and his brother Charley (Rockwell) in the sitting room. James playfully rubbing Ford's shoulders as he recounts his own tale. Whipping a knife to the boy's throat as he and Charley's shared thoughts become one. This viewer explodes with a sigh, adrenaline pumping, heart pounding. That is exceptional film-making.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a masterpiece. Pitt is at his finest (this portrayal of James, bumps Tyler Durdin for best performance).