Historical and yet relevant to today.

Rating: Null/10 (6 June 2016)

If you can get past the gorgeous and artistic cinematography you may be able to behold the tremendous depth in "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford." Even though the title's too long, this film stands out as one of the best of 2007 and one of the best of the 21st century. Writer/Director Andrew Dominik brings the historical tale of outlaw Jesse James to life. He examines this legendary killer through the eyes of Robert Ford, a young man who worships this figure and ends up being a part of his group before resenting him. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck playing these two men is a match made in heaven. Both men, specifically Affleck, deliver spot-on performances who nail every aspect of their multi-layered characters, bringing this excellent story to life. Taking place in rural America during the 1800s, one would expect opportunities for good visual and production elements. Make no mistake, Dominik embraces every opportunity he gets. Few films create production designs and costumes that feel so authentic and don't appear as if made for the screen. The true eye-opener is the cinematography, capturing the American West and Midwest like no other film has done before. What you get with this film is a story and a portrait. History and the present. Idolization and criminalization are still major occurrences in today's society, as it was when outlaws who could steal the most trains roamed the earth.