A breakthrough in western film-making

Rating: 10/10 (2 September 2008)

An absolute masterpiece, and a breakthrough in western film-making that creates a unique experience as it captures the story of Jesse James poetically and intricately. Every single shot in the film is gorgeous in it's own way, providing the audience with intriguing dream-like images throughout the entire film, and truly capturing the raw and natural beauty of western civilization.
Although the narration seems to be criticized by some, and is believed to tell the audience what they can already see, I believe it does an excellent job of creating a story-like atmosphere which is entirely necessary in the context of the film. We are watching a movie that is presenting the life of Jesse James in the format of a past-tense story, although the narration is not boring and does not have a Discovery Network blandness to it. It rather suits the content and is full of depth.
Every scene is given the perfect amount of time that allows the audience to study all of the characters thoughts and emotions, it allows every single stare to be taken into account and examined fully. Andrew Dominik has complete faith in his actors to explore the characters intently with silence and gestures. Every single performance is impressive, beginning with Brad Pitt's complete embodiment of a mysterious, terrifying man and Pitt's every single small mannerism communicates to the audience more than any dialog. Casey Affleck's portrayal of a neurotic and obsessive coward is entirely natural and subtly creepy. Every single small role is played perfectly as well, with honorable mentions to Paul Schneider, Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner and Mary-Louise Parker.
A perfect western that rises above the generally action-packed genre and studies a complex man on a quiet yet epic scale. A truly brilliant film that allowed every detail necessary to explore the tale in its fullness and stylistically portrays the story as a true piece of art.