The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a stunning visual feast along the lines of Terrence Malick’s Thin Red Line. I was interested in seeing this film since I heard about it almost 18 months before it was released. I didn’t get a chance to see it in the theaters so I rented it. This is definitely an epic film worth viewing on the big screen. It’s also an unexpected film in that when you hear Jesse James is going to be portrayed ina  film you expect showdowns at high noons and gunslinging up the ying-yang. But this film was a departure from the typical western film based on a gunslinging legend in that it only captured the short period leading up to and the very short period right after his death.

The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is more a rumination on death and fame.  It’s like a “what happens if” film. What happens when you meet your idol, get disappointed and are given the opportunity to become as legendary (so you think) an idol as your idol Jesse James. Casey Affleck is remarkable in this film and Brad Pitt is was surprisingly solid. Though The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a long film (and a long title), give it a chance. You won’t regret it, especially if you love stunning cinematography and smart directing.  Definitely rent this film!