The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert F...

Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Mary-Louise Parker

"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" delves into the private life and public exploits of America's most notorious outlaw. As the charismatic and unpredictable Jesse James (Brad...( read more  read more... ) Pitt) plans his next great robbery, he wages war on his enemies, who are trying to collect the reward money – and the glory – riding on his capture. But the greatest threat to his life may ultimately come from those he trusts the most.

Flixster Users

73% liked it

Critics

75% liked it

R, 2 hrs. 40 min.

Directed by: Andrew Dominik

Released: October 5, 2007

Invite friends to see

DVD Released: February 5, 2008

Recommend it Add to Favorites

Your Rating



clear rating

Top Flixster Reviews


  • April 27, 2009
    As a rule, I'm not a big fan of "westerns".

    But when they are more along the lines historical "period pieces" and made with as much passion and attention to detail as this film...what's not to love?

    This was a very slow and methodic look at the last few months of the life o... ...( read more )
  • April 10, 2009
    Aside from the scene-stealing supporting actors, this film is just really sad and is a relative snoozefest. Interesting editing, cinematography and storytelling style, though.
  • December 14, 2008
    A smouldering, intense and quite sensual meditation on friendship, betrayal and guilt that made my heart skip a beat. It's not only the most achingly beautiful piece of cinematic Americana since Terence Malick's Badlands but also the most obviously homoerotic western I think I ha... ...( read more )
  • November 28, 2008
    ''Can't Figure it out, you wanna be like me, or you wanna be me?''


    A detailed account of the famous outlaw Jesse James and his relationship with Robert Ford.

    Brad Pitt: Jesse James

    Casey Affleck: Robert Ford

    Assassination of Jesse James ... ...( read more )
  • November 14, 2008
    Plot didn't always grab me but with good acting from all involved, a thoroughly believble escape from reality.
  • July 2, 2009
    My mind must have been misfiring when I put this on the Netflix queue. I was a few minutes into it when I realized I could care less who killed Jesse James, I'm just glad they did. He (and his gang) were a crucial part of when the bad guys rode in to my town and burned it down, k... ...( read more )

Critic Reviews


View more The Assass... reviews at RottenTomatoes.com
November 30, 2007
Nigel Andrews, BadMovies.org B-Movie Reviews

How good to see gong-givers recognise that good acting can be covert, not overt, and that in the right artistic acoustic a performer doesn't need to shout to be heard. full review

November 30, 2007
Nigel Andrews, The Financial Times

Affleck and Pitt have prime charge of the tale's humanity and vitality. The first has nervous headlamp eyes and a wheedling, accosting intensity: he is like a homeless pet you would feel sorry for up ... full review

October 5, 2007
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The movie has the space and freedom of classic Western epics. full review

September 24, 2007
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker

It is no mean feat to make a boring film about Jesse James, but Andrew Dominik has pulled it off in style. full review

September 21, 2007
Pete Hammond, Maxim

A masterwork that already has the feel of a classic. This take on the last days of an iconic western figure constantly surprises and intrigues. full review

September 21, 2007
Claudia Puig, USA Today

...heightened by a rare cinematic artistry that seamlessly melds a probing character essay with a lyrical Western epic. full review

September 21, 2007
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

A long, ambitious, fitfully rewarding movie. full review

September 20, 2007
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford represents a breakthrough in the moviegoing experience. It may be the first time we've been asked to watch a book on tape. full review

September 20, 2007
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Dominik paints a richly detailed mosaic on locations in Calgary and Winnipeg, and you can only marvel at the visual miracles achieved by cinematographer Roger Deakins. full review

September 19, 2007
Armond White, The New York Press

Fact is, The Assassination is nothing more than a misreading of Hollywood mythology. full review

Comments


  • candleglow03
    November 13, 2008
    great movie i'm a fan of brad Pitt
  • gyvette
    February 29, 2008
    the film was a bit long, but I ended up really enjoying it. It showed what Jesse James was really like and I thought that was great. and it also showed why Ford killed him. It was a great story and I ended up liking Robert Ford in the end and really feeling sorry for him.
  • MorpheusOne
    February 22, 2008
    Considering who jesse james was, what he did, then it's apparent that he was the coward and Robert Ford was an honorable man! I hope this movie doesn't turn into a revisionist history piece of garbage.

    I hate brad pitt! Why did they choose him for this roll? He is so damned overated!
  • thedweeb
    February 6, 2008
    I thought this film was good, but a bit lengthy. It was however a beautiful film, and a fantastic character study.

    http://www.dvd-dweeb.com/reviews/review-the-assasination-of-jesse-james-by-the-coward-robert-ford
  • markggroesbeck
    November 8, 2007
    A wonderful art Western that strolls leisurely to its inevitable outcome, as the title suggests. When Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), joins the infamous James gang, we know that he will one day kill one of the most infamous criminals of the 19th century, Jesse James (Brad Pitt). The film fills in the details, showing us the reasons why Robert Ford did what he did on that significant day. Director Andrew Dominik's take on history has a homoerotic subtext suggesting Ford killed what he couldn't have. Pitt is understated and intimidating as Jesse James and Affleck is perfect as Ford, an annoying celebrity obsessed boy. A daring script, excellent performances and spectacular photography make this film a work of art.
  • MorpheusOne
    October 3, 2007
    Considering who jesse james was, what he did, then it's apparent that he was the coward and Robert Ford was an honorable man! I hope this movie doesn't turn into a revisionist history piece of garbage.

    I hate brad pitt! Why did they choose him for this roll? He is so damned overated!
  • akhan09
    September 4, 2007
    i saw da trailors n since den i juz cant wait 2 c dis movie...by da luk of it Brad has put his heart in2 dis movie n hopefully it wil NOT b disopointing 4 da fans...u Go Brad keep doin good movies :)
  • Thuckabe
    July 6, 2007
    Andrew Dominik's first film since Chopper (amazing). I can't wait.
  • BradPittIsHot
    May 21, 2007
    This looks like it will be good. =)

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Video Requires Latest Version of Adobe Flash:

Get Adobe Flash player

Official Trailer

More Like This


Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Shoot 'Em Up
    Shoot 'Em Up (13%)
  • 3:10 to Yuma
    3:10 to Yuma (74%)
  • There Will Be Blood
    There Will Be Blood (83%)
  • The Assassination of Richard Nixon
    The Assassination of Richard Nixon (6%)

Theater Showtimes & TV Listings


Most Popular Skin