Fair on history; sloppy on characterization

Rating: 6/10 (7 September 2009)

Not brilliant, but a decent watch. It takes a docu-drama approach, so don't expect a scintillating shoot 'em up western. Neither is it a very accurate analysis in its historic character portrayals. Jesse James was an infamous outlaw, not the Messiah. Robert Ford was a traitorous outlaw, not a Poindexter computer nerd type with too much mousse in his hair. The other Ford was also an outlaw, not Mickey Mouse.
Other than character development, this period piece is constructed with superior attention to detail of the era. The chronology of historical events is correct. The acting is mixed: some expert, others lazy. Mary Louise Parker is best, in a powerfully emotional yet minor role. Unfortunately, it makes it even more obvious some of the performances were walk-throughs. Casey Affleck (Robert Ford) renders his many colliding emotions well, but Brad Pitt pretty much plays himself. Never did he become Jesse James in this film. In one scene, he does a psychotic laugh that sounds forced and lame.
The narration is garbled and inaudible, to anyone except a bat, maybe. You'll need to enable the sub titles to find out what is being mumbled, to avoid missing significant information. Also, the film runs longer than necessary; a lot of stuff we see in the developmental stage is worthless padding.
On the up side, the atmosphere is appropriately somber throughout. The choreography is imbued with deep colors that properly maintain the theme. The tension of the Ford/James "friendship" plays out well on the screen. The music supports the mood and objective, and even someone who knows nothing about Jesse James will learn some facts about him.
More a docu-drama than a western or a history piece, the film has its share of strengths and weaknesses. Overall, worth a rental when you have nothing else to do.