Too self-important to truly shine but definitely worth a rental

Rating: 6/10 (30 January 2008)

This artsy, extended western does feel somewhat over-labored, indulging heavily in subplot and lengthy, actorly pauses without having enough backbone to do so, before finally finding it's footing over halfway through. Andrew Dominik is someone to look out for in the future with his noticeable sophomore release, offering a contemplative, slow-burning alternative to most westerns, guided by some impressive cinematography and airtight production.
While much has been made of Casey Affleck's performance as Robert Ford, it really seems to be more about him simply stepping up to play a larger role in general. He hangs around with an admirable supporting cast and does not appear too out of place, but I really couldn't call his, or any of the chief performances outstanding. Brad Pitt continues to refine the obviousness of what made him successful, but even as the rugged and roughed up centerpiece he feels awfully lightweight in certain instances.
If viewers are patient enough to sit through the less-involving first half of this lengthy piece with some curiosity then it just might transition from this pseudo-authentic, slightly homoerotic shoot into something a tad deeper on the nature of celebrity.