Unusually Contemplative Western, Vivid Cinematography, Thoughtful Performances

Rating: 8/10 (27 February 2013)

This often startling and frequently beautiful film is not a simple Western, definitely not a bang-bang shoot-em-up where good guy beats bad guy and everything is hunky-dory in about 90 minutes.
This film is a curious sort of history lesson, a deliberate and artfully conceived look at the Cult of Celebrity, not too different from the way fame is concocted today; neither of the lead characters are particularly admirable men, as James the Outlaw has robbed and slain innocents, often merely because he finds them suspicious or annoying. The man who stalks James and ultimately shoots him (no spoiler here--check out the title!) is nervous, craven and unsettled; he projects fame and riches from the accomplishment of a craven act and must deal with unexpected consequences.
There are some vivid recreations of the Old West, many contemplative shots in the snow and ice or blowing fields of wheat--the director expects the viewer's immersion in atmosphere and character--this is not an easy film to enjoy, especially if you are used to traditional Western action--but its a deeply thoughtful meditation on a culture that rolls out heroes regardless of consequence and its loaded with startling performances.