Jesse James Review
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A narrative on the 1800’s badboy Jesse James, and the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Plot :
The Assassination of Jesse James : A moving story, told mostly in third person, of the notorious outlaw Jesse James {Brad Pitt} and his final days before his assassination by Robert Ford.
The Truth :
The movie is a third person narrative, told mostly through the eyes of Robert Ford, who’s idolized Jesse James since childhood. Robert Ford {Casey Affleck} tries hard to join the reforming gang of the Missouri outlaw, but gradually becomes resentful of the bandit leader.
One cannot help but notice two suggested ideas by the writer and producer of the movie. Robert Ford was most likely a homosexual with an enormous man-crush for Jesse James, and Robert was no coward. Casey Affleck most certainly was portraying Robert Ford to be a homosexual. I like to think of him as the Talented Mr Ripley of the 1880’s. Although he doesn’t come out and say it, he most certainly was.
The title “Coward” was given to Mr. Ford by the local population, after James had reached legendary status, that his death brought about. He went from hero, to zero over time as history has a funny way of re-telling the facts about Jesse James.
Very little, which is why this movie had very little buzz and took a large loss.
The Verdict :
The film lost almost 20$ million dollars and it had all the tools to be the best movie of the year. The problem when you make a movie about a legendary outlaw, is the people want to see action. The general population doesn’t care a lot about a 2.5hr long narrative enough to see it in the theaters. They want action, they want their hero to battle .. they don’t want to watch the demise of a legendary figure.
I enjoyed the movie, but the film doesn’t hold a candle against 3:10 To Yuma or Seraphim Falls. Its a rental, and you get your money’s worth. However, if you felt you’d watch the film and come out knowing more about Jesse James than when you sat down, you’ll be disappointed.
Casey Affleck’s performance was so good, it was creepy. Brad Pitt nailed his role, he does well in this genre.
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