Film Screening 27th March, 2008

Poster for The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford

The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford 

8:00 PM, 27th March, 2008
No Guests

  • 160 mins
  • Unknown
  • Andrew Dominik
  • Andrew Dominik
  • Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Mary-Louise Parker

Despite having been murdered over two centuries ago, Jesse James is still an instantly recognisable name across America. His story has become folk legend, painting him as an American Robin Hood. However, this film does not present James as a hero or indeed a villain; it simply tells a story. For those who already know how James met his death it does not present any twists or turns. Yet it is a compelling if somewhat slow moving tale, and the cinematography is outstanding. Staring Brad Pitt as the �gregarious' James, the film is well scripted and acted. Pitt creates a man wracked with fear and mistrust, a man who perhaps can no longer face his conscience. He holds the cast together with Casey Affleck who gives a solid performance as the coward Robert Ford. If you are interested in the life and times of Jesse James, or simply want an insight into the paranoia that must surely infect all wanted men, then this is a movie worth watching. It is long and moves at a pace to reflect the times, but everything about it is good quality.

Sarah Basiuoni