Watch The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a 2007 American western film directed by Andrew Dominik and starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, and Sam Shepard. The film is based on Ron Hansen's 1983 novel of the same name and follows the last year of James' life, leading up to his assassination by Robert Ford. The movie is set in Missouri during the late 1800s and opens with Jesse James (Brad Pitt), a notorious member of the James-Younger gang, returning to his home after a bank robbery. The gang is struggling to make ends meet, and James is becoming increasingly paranoid and unpredictable, which makes it difficult for his fellow outlaws to trust him.

Meanwhile, Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) is a young and impressionable member of the gang who idolizes Jesse James and dreams of being a part of his inner circle. James, aware of Ford's adoration, takes him under his wing, but as the weeks go by, James becomes increasingly disillusioned with Ford's sycophantic behavior and begins to view him as a liability.

The film explores the complex relationship between James and Ford, charting their gradual descent into violence and betrayal. As James becomes increasingly paranoid and erratic, Ford begins to see him as a threat to his own ambitions, and he begins to plot his assassination. The tension between the two men builds as the film progresses, culminating in a dramatic and shocking climax that will leave audiences stunned.

The cinematography in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is breathtaking, with the film's director Andrew Dominik creating a vivid and atmospheric world that captures the beauty and brutality of the American West. From the sweeping landscapes to the dimly lit interiors of saloons and cabins, every shot is impeccably framed and composed, imbuing the film with a sense of timeless elegance and beauty.

The performances of the film's two leads are also remarkable, with Brad Pitt delivering a masterful performance as the paranoid and unpredictable Jesse James. Pitt portrays James as a charismatic and brutal outlaw, but also as a man tormented by his own demons and haunted by his own legend. Casey Affleck, meanwhile, is equally impressive as the cowardly and ambitious Robert Ford. Affleck's portrayal of Ford is nuanced and complex, highlighting the inherent contradictions and conflicts within the character.

Supporting performances from Sam Shepard as Frank James, James' older brother, and Sam Rockwell as Charley Ford, Robert's brother, are also noteworthy. Shepard brings a steely intensity to Frank James, while Rockwell delivers a pitch-perfect turn as the hapless and somewhat dim-witted Charley Ford.

Overall, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a haunting and beautifully crafted film that explores the darker side of the American West. Its intricate characterizations, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances make it a must-see for fans of westerns and drama alike.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a 2007 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 68.