Ken Burns goes Hollywood!

Rating: 9/10 (11 November 2007)

A lot of this movie felt like a Ken Burns documentary to me (the objective narration, the amazing account of authentic detail).
Many viewers might see this movie with hopes of watching a great modern western, but instead we are left with a visually encapsulating narrative that leaves us feeling both sympathy and admiration for both Jesse James and Robert Ford.
Casey Affleck is truly stunning as the morally injured Robert Ford.
Brad Pitt is like fine wine (keeps getting better with age). His portrayal of Jesse James is something that resembles ancient mythology. He is a heroic character, yet he is so deeply haunted by his ruthlessness that he becomes something entirely different than what is expected on screen.
Both Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck are something to behold in this poetic and tragic retelling of history.
Although this movie is very long and somewhat slowly paced, it is one of the few movies this year that makes you care for every single character, no matter how insignificant their roles are.
The cinematography by Roger Deakins is nothing short of stunning, and the portrayals of Robert Ford and Jesse James by the two lead actors is enough to enthrall you to the very last minute of this epic, new-age western.