MovieChat Forums > The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) Discussion > maybe you can help me out

maybe you can help me out

posted 9 years ago by favrejoe
10 replies | jump to latest

I'm really on the fence with this movie after seeing it twice. Something about the Old West/Outlaws fascinates me so I was immediately interested in this movie and wanted to learn about the life/death of Jesse James. The cinematography is beautiful and the acting is spot on. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck made me believe like I was really with the characters of Robert Ford and Jesse James. After watching the film it stuck with me in my head and made me want to learn more about Jesse James. Good films should have an impact on you. My flaw's with the movie is mainly the pacing. The movie seemed too slow making the movie feel long which has an effect on re-watchability. Also, I would have liked the movie to have focused more on Jesse James and showed his glory days as well but I understand this film is focused on the end of his life and is told by Robert Ford hence the title. Do you think this movie is worth owning? 50/50 on this one.

[–] Clive-Silas 9 years ago

One of the few films I've bothered to buy on Blu-Ray in the last ten years. And if you buy it (or DVR it) you can watch your favourite scenes and skip whatever bits you find boring. But the film had an impact on you, the slow pacing notwithstanding, so it's all part of what made it stick with you.

[–] don-lope-de-aguirre 9 years ago

I love this film.
I think it's a must have.

It also stuck in my head although I wasn't really blown away after the first viewing. I enjoyed it much more after multiple viewings.

So definite recommendation!

[–] romefan123 9 years ago

With each subsequent viewing, the film improves, and the pacing becomes no longer an issue. In fact, it adds to the melancholy of the characters and story. It's a must-own.

"You can just stand there and let him kick your ass!" Karate Kid III

[–] Hiphopotamoose 9 years ago

I would second this. I think the pacing hurts the film only if the audience is expecting a western with gunfights. Once you remove that expectation, you can sit back and absorb each scene for all that it offers; and really, almost every scene has something to admire, whether it be the cinematography, acting, script, or score.

[–] DanaShelbyChancey 9 years ago

I own the movie, and I haven't watched it yet. So I am the opposite of you!

It was only $4.97 on B&N, so what the heck. I love movies that are rich and deep and haunting, and I loved There Will Be Blood.

I just haven't ever been in the right mood, or I am afraid I won't love it. Stupid really. I should just watch. I don't want to watch when I am not in the right mood, that will ruin it for me.

Decisions, decisions.

[–] Hiphopotamoose 9 years ago

I love movies that are rich and deep and haunting, and I loved There Will Be Blood.

Rich, deep, and haunting is what this film is! Go watch it, silly!

[–] NotASpeckOfCereal 9 years ago

Also, I would have liked the movie to have focused more on Jesse James and showed his glory days as well but I understand this film is focused on the end of his life and is told by Robert Ford hence the title.

To me, this film isn't about James first and foremost -- the main character is Ford. So more about James glory days would have been inappropriate.

As for owning the film, I don't feel the need to. I might watch it again some day, but probably not more than once, so no need to own.

I rate this at 7/10, I would give it 7.5 if I could, but I don't feel it is an 8.0. The cinematography is fantastic, the editing and pacing is well done for a story of this type, and the acting is top notch all around. Brad Pitt haters will have a tough time finding a problem with his performance here, and I never really respected Affleck as much of an actor until now. They were both very convincing.

I just can't got more worked up on a story about Ford to the point of feeling it is more important than this. Part of me wonders how accurate a telling it is, but mostly, I don't care.

Be sure to proof your posts to see if you any words out

[–] paul-273-129025 8 years ago

To me, this film isn't about James first and foremost -- the main character is Ford. So more about James glory days would have been inappropriate.

You are totally right.

[–] carrieandxtina 8 years ago

I bought the movie so I really enjoy it a lot.

[–] rgibson-20 8 years ago

His "glory days"? By that do you mean more scenes of him terrorizing and murdering innocent people?