A complex and engrossing story about friendship, idolatry and obsession

Rating: 9/10 (25 December 2011)

"He's just a human being," the 'coward' Robert Ford at one point says about Jesse James. There is of course little doubt about that, but this is a film where the lines between man and legend, idolatry and obsession, and coward and hero are as blurry as the images through which the events unfold. There is another quote by Ford that nicely symbolizes the central conflict of the film: "I've been a nobody all my life. I was the baby; I was the one they made promises to that they never kept. And ever since I can recall it, Jesse James has been as big as a tree." Because in the centre of the film, we find these two characters, played by two wonderful actors.
Jesse James is naturally the hero. Already in the film's first lines, his mythical nature is established; Jesse James had two bullet holes in his chest, a severed middle finger, and a condition that made him blink more than usual. When he entered a room, the temperature rose, the time slowed and the sounds were amplified. And he had allegedly killed seventeen people. Throughout the film, this myth is in equal parts deconstructed and reinforced. In the end, it is probably quite clear that he is not the legend that he is made out to be, but the public are never made aware of this, and somewhat ironically keep worshipping him. He is played by a fantastic, rather understated Brad Pitt, who never takes up more space than the role requires. Pitt does have his moments to shine though. There is one scene that stands out to me, in which he first beats a child and then breaks apart, perhaps showing his first signs of weakness.
The other character is Robert Ford – a young and frail man, but with "an appetite for greater things," which ultimately leads to the film's tragic conclusion. Ford's search for glory where none is to be found is truly heartbreaking. We learn that he is more than a coward, or perhaps not a coward at all, but people in contrast do not know this, and in the end, no one worships him. While Brad Pitt is absolutely brilliant, he is actually outshone by Casey Affleck in one of the best performances I have seen.
These characters and their complex, fascinating relationship is backed by one of the most technically accomplished films of the year. First, there is the cinematography that I hinted at earlier, which actually captures the feeling of warmth and slowing time, when it is not focusing on stunning landscapes. Then there is the score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, which is fabulous as well; there is a feeling of sadness and regret running through many of the songs, such as "Rather Lovely Thing", that suits the film perfectly.
Finally, director Andrew Dominik takes his time to tell the story. Some have criticised the film for being slow, but I think the slow journey towards the inevitable assassination only increases the emotional impact. Of course, we know what will happen, but the old adage about removing the element of surprise and getting the element of suspense has never been more true.