This western might be slow and boring to some, but for me, this film was alright. At least, it ends with an evocative bang.

Rating: 7/10 (5 April 2016)

Adapted from Ron Hansen's 1983 novel of the same name, and based on true events, this western dramatizes the relationship between fame outlaw, Jesse James (Brad Pitt) and his would be assassin, Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), during the events that leaded up to James's murder. While the movie might seem long and predictable to some critics, it was a unique watch for me. Directed by Andrew Dominik, the movie is full of great acting for both of the main cast. Brad Pitt has this eerily with his use of body language that makes his character so edgy, like you don't know, if he's going to strike you down or not. He was very sinister in this film. The same with Casey Affleck, whom seem like he was born to play the part, of the odd-lonely little man, whom scare for his life, but also do whatever, it takes to survive in this harsh world. I love how Bob's obsession is never explosive with fandom; rather, the movie adopts a near quiet, melancholy tone, creepy love for Jesse as his hero. It's even more tragic, when he is paralyzed by his prominent persona and ignominious actions toward other fans of Jesse James, until he finally falls victim to a society that couldn't stand him. I love how history can spin perceptions of people and the public so easily. Another person that seem to stand out in this film, is Sam Rockwell as Ford's slightly less-enamored brother, Charlie. He was probably, the best of the supporting actors. Don't get me wrong, Sam Shepard, Jeremy Renner, and Michael Parks are easily as memorable, but their scenes are far too short, compare to Rockwell. It's also, the same with the female leads. Although Mary-Louise Parker, and Zooey Deschanel are billed near the top, neither one has more than a brief cameo. Despite that, one of the best things in this film is the narrative by Hugh Ross. He really sets the mood of the film, very well with his tones of his voice without going too far into pervasive and perspective driven. Whenever, he describing things about the factual plot, I felt like I had to listen, as if a very good historical lecture. There is no bigger success of his skills than the "No Eulogies" Ending. He's so good at reading, that he makes reading the phone book, seem interesting. I know, some people might not like this narration style, due to some instances of unreliable dry text book heavy-handed read, throughout the film, but I found the read, sophistical. Yet, I do believe that voice overs in movies like this, do needs to be used more sparingly, so to allow the camera to tell the story, not the words. Even with the large amount of narrative, this movie does have amazing cinematography to tell the story throughout the film. Roger Deakins' cinematography is heartbreakingly beautiful, alternately blurred and precise, the colors autumnal, the dark shadows long and evocative as if looking at an old tintype. All of this makes for an environment that reflects the inner lives of both Jesse and Bob, neither able to shake the other, off from each other. I love the sullen, near-resigned look that the final shot lingers on: superbly poignant and terrifically chosen. It really carries. Yet, I know, some of the critics found this movie to be boring or sad, due to the lack of action and its depressing brooding tone. However, it's somewhat good that way, because it's makes the film more, historical accuracy. The film completely destroys the hero myth of Jesse James and replaces it with a lot of sinister characters behaving selfishly, beset by squabbling, petty violence and disintegration is exactly what happened to Jesse James' gang. It's true, that the James Gang has more or less fizzled out by the time the film begins. So, there wouldn't be, a lot of action, if the gang is trying to hide from the public eye. One of the reason, why this movie wasn't released until 2007, despite being shot in 2005, was because of the conflict, Director Andrew Dominik had with Warner Bros. As you see in this film, Dominik wanted an impressionistic, Terrence Malick-esque approach; while executives at Warner Bros. who wanted a more action-packed movie. Eventually Brad Pitt, producer Ridley Scott and editors Dylan Tichenor, Curtis Clayton and Michael Kahn made and tested various recuts. It's currently unknown who's cut was picked for general release. I would love to one day, see the other versions of this film. Because of things like that, we never really got to know, what happen to certain characters, because how many scenes with them, were cut. Hopefully, those other versions, solve those plot-holes. No matter, what film version, you see; the music, throughout this film, by Australian composers, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis is superb. It was very beautiful. The movie's soundtrack has made me cry more than once. Overall: For me, this movie is a must watch. At least, once. This was a haunting, well-crafted masterpiece. However, it's not for everybody, but check it out, if you want to!