The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

The Western was a big genre way back when, but after Unforgiven the genre rode off into the sunset. But since then, it has been making somewhat of a comeback with such movies like 3:10 to Yuma and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

At first, Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) admires outlaw Jesse James (Brad Pitt) when he joins his gang. But then he feels resentment towards Jesse and plots to kill him.

Other actors in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford include Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner and Sam Shepard, all of whom play their roles excellently. Having said that, Affleck gives the performance that stands out the most. His character is more human than the others. It felt a tad long in some parts, but the storytelling (as well as Roger Deakins' cinematography) keep the movie afloat. Once Ford does his deed, he enjoys his fame. But alas, he dies a nobody.

My Rating: *****