A stylish retelling of the Western myth

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

ALTHOUGH the 10-word title of this 2007 drama film gives away its key plot point, it’s the very tension that this knowledge creates which fuels its complex story of infamy, obsession and paranoia.

Set in the waning days of the mythic American West, when justice and order began to spread across the land, the film focuses on the final days of the infamous outlaw Jesse James (Brad Pitt) and his relationship to one of his crew members, Robert ‘Bob’ Ford (Casey Affleck).

It’s a Shakespearean-style slow-burner that relies on the recognisable iconography of the Western canon in its dramatic quest. Relying on character, dialogue and visuals rather than actionpacked set-pieces, it’s typical of the revisionist subgenre of the Western that portrays the lawless land in all its moral ambiguity.

The film begins with Bob joining the infamous James gang before they plan to rob a train. Bob manages to join through his brother Charley (Sam Rockwell), despite his youth and inexperience. We are introduced to various members of the gang who share banter and camaraderie, but seem naive when compared to the seasoned figures of Jesse and his older, sterner brother Frank (Sam Shepard).

The robbery is successful, but the train had far less money than they had hoped. Dispirited by this, Frank leaves the gang, leaving Jesse and the other various members to lay low and figure out their next move.

Jesse’s infamy has attracted a large bounty on his head, and it soon discovered that members of the gang plan on taking advantage of the trust they have built with the iconic criminal. The film explores the different colourful characters of the gang, their principles either leaning to loyalty to Jesse or the attraction of fame and riches.

The film’s major attraction is without a doubt its visuals and cinematography. It’s simply one of the best-looking films of the 21st century. Filmed by the incomparable Roger Deakins, the wistful eye of the camera surveys both breath-taking natural landscapes and lived-in domestic interiors with the same powerful focus. The train approach near the start of the film is a pure visual treat.

Brad Pitt is great as the titular outlaw, subtle in his arrogance and derangement, but able to release it in full flow when he needs to. Casey Affleck is also superb as the skittery Bob, his fanboy image of James shattered when he gets close to the mythical figure. Their shifting relationship is the crux of the film, and it carries it well.

The nearly three-hour runtime can at times seem a little drawn out, but the film offers a wealth of interest to those who become absorbed in its machinations.

Certainly one you want to be concentrating for, The Assassination of

Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is an underrated modern Western gem. Now added to Amazon.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (15)

Running time 2hr 40min

Rating: ****