Forgotten Films: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - Review and Analysis

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A review and analysis of one of my all time favorite films that happens to be a lost treasure of filmmaking.

[@JamsandTea]

Take a shot every time someone in the comment section here corrects 17 year old me for getting the cinematographer of There Will Be Blood wrong! I promise you you’ll die ❤️✨

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

you were 17 when you made this video?

[@JamsandTea]

@@watch-Dominion-2018 yup, My two most popular videos on this channel were both made when I was a teenager and just got my new laptop- both of which I edited in less than a day, hence why in all honesty I’m not super happy with either in retrospect

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

very good work indeed. I was 17 when I saw the movie in the cinema on its release day@@JamsandTea

[@JamsandTea]

@@watch-Dominion-2018 immensely envious you got to see this in theaters! I bet it was magnificent

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

it still remains one of the most memorable viewings I've ever had, and that year I was working at that cinema, saw 110 movies that year, forgot most of them, but Jesse James remains the most vivid in my memory, and how we just sat there is quiet contemplation after it ended, stunned@@JamsandTea

[@kataisa3]

Brad Pitt has said that this was his favorite film

[@brandondaniels9471]

Would be interesting if it was re-released in theaters b/c many people don't seem to realize that it even exists unfortunately lol

[@MrLilfee]

He is a man of sense and taste.

[@trumpjongun8831]

It's one of my favourite movies too. I have watched that probably atleast 5 times.

[@ragnarlodbrok1233]

My favorite movie.

[@rizzorizzo2311]

Trump Jong Un I have a DVD player in my car and I swear this movie stayed in my car for like 6 months. I must have watched it 20 times all the way through. Awesome movie.

[@rufuzmitchell1767]

This movie haunts me. It's the best cinema i have ever seen. The music elevates it even more. It's truly a masterpiece and it's such a shame it never got the recognition it deserves. Great review and analysis.!

[@johndunne7656]

Well-stated. The book, too, is a lovely read.

[@Armentitron]

That's my boy Nick Cave 😭

[@manuelkong10]

AGREED Rufuz

[@dash4800]

The scene where he shoots Jesse might be the greatest piece of filmmaking I've ever seen. The music, acting, editing, pacing is all immaculate. Its so tense and so heartbreaking at the same time.

[@quintinmcclearen7640]

Thank you jams and tea for recognizing a true masterpiece!

[@kevinwalker3755]

The fact that Pitt won an Oscar for essentially playing himself in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" but didn't even receive a nomination for this performance (or BAFTA or Golden Globes) illustrates how truly absurd and arbitrary the whole Acting Awards thing is. Beautifully understated acting.

[@blaisetelfer8499]

Think how many forgettable (or memorably bad) David O Russell and Harvey Weinstein projects have taken major awards in the time since this movie was released. The Oscars are mostly a popularity contest; they're not even pretending to be about merit or quality anymore. Don't get me started on Will Smith winning Best Actor.

[@mikeb6085]

Am I the only one who is confused by the casting choice of Brad Pitt? I'm sure like many, he isn't how I'd picture JJ and never feels like it's him in the movie. Also his performance was only good if it was intentional that we'd have no idea what he's thinking for the entire movie, like, ever.

[@genderender]

@@mikeb6085 brad pitt wasn't cast, brad pitt produced the movie. he took a pay cut to keep the title as-is

[@Plathismo]

I would argue this movie is better than 'There Will Be Blood' and 'No Country For Old Men.'

[@mrkemrk]

Plathismo Agreed

[@thekidbizarre]

And it's crazy they all came out the same year

[@sal6436]

it cant even touch no country for old men

[@stevecheevers7337]

It's definitely up there for sure, all three films are a piece of Art. From a classic score by Nick Cave to some of Roger Deakin's best cinematography, Brad Pitt's best performance, Casey Affleck stealing the film with a heartbreaking performance. I probably give There will be Blood the nod, still think that's going to be a all time American great, which is it is now but for the rest of time. But Assasssination of Jesse James, is a neglected masterpiece deserving of a place among the greats. Maybe it's a little too art house for some expecting a old time fun western. This is something Terrence Malick would have made back in the 70's.

[@JuanChavez-ju6ik]

it is better than there will be blood but no country for old men is the best. (my opinion only).

[@enoughrope1638]

I saw this movie yesterday and thought "how have I not heard of this". I checked Wikipedia and was surprised to see it even lost money. A true shame when piles of trash such as magnificent 7 have three times the budget, half the acting, and a quarter the story yet make 50 million.

[@theurbanloner8879]

The magnificent seven was actually a waste of my life to sit through.

[@bomaniigloo]

Or any marvel movie.

[@8urvett]

I hope to see the 4hr version someday. There's so much story untold in the 2hr version.

[@LunchBXcrue]

i agree it was such an amazing telling of the story and brought the legend to ground and made it a more relateable story

[@Arrogan28]

It really is a crime against cinema that that version is not available in today's day of digital films. Why not release it, let people choose which version they watch... I would think it is partly because it's investors lost money on it, so maybe they don't want people scared away thinking they will miss something in the 4 hour version, but it such a force of cinema that not to release the original, wow, to leave all that footage lost, sad. Cause it is true, every frame is hauntingly beautiful....

[@harrycahill2140]

There will be blood was shot by Robert Elswitt. Why was I listening to this.😅

[@travisspazz1624]

Fingers crossed for criterion!!

[@ULTRAWIDE.]

The Journey According to the director the studio had no faith in the film as it wasn’t what they were expecting. They wanted a more action orientated film as opposed to the more drama and slow paced one we got. Consequently the studio chose to only show the film in a handful of cinemas and then was left to die. What we got though was one of the most beautiful and well acted films ever made. It deserves so much more than what it got. As you said, a real crime against cinema.

[@stephenkohler3472]

Excellent review of an incredible movie. One thing to add about Jesse's death; Paranoia is incredibly exhausting. This film perfectly captures what that sleep deprived, forever-lost-behind-enemy-lines mentality actually feels like. Every day is like treading water for a year and every betrayal feels like an anchor. At some point, the idea of letting go of the struggle becomes an irresistible comfort.

[@johndunne7656]

Amazing point there...well-said.

[@RomboutVersluijs]

The cinematography really added a major part to that, i also feel the score was a big role in this.

[@tonywords6713]

this movie (and book) is so layered and psychologically intricate its kind of insane it even exists. I also love how dready and depressed and miserable and bored everyone is

[@AnnaLVajda]

Not paranoid obviously people wanted to kill him he was not imagining it not an irrational concern for him he was hypervigilant probably though hard to live on adrenaline for years. Part of what made him edgy and dangerous seeming.

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

To quote Hamilton - “in so deep it’s easier to just swim down”

[@tommywm24]

One day I hope it's looked back as one of the greatest films of all time. Incredibly underrated score as well by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.

[@TwoTonePictures]

I listen to the score at least once a day, especially when writing scripts

[@jraelien5798]

Nope. It is rightly regarded as an indulgent and simple minded film without any entertainment value.

[@jraelien5798]

@UCk9Ek6jxoWjeGXVhJSBUslg Are you saying it was actually complex, and I missed it?

[@deborahhughes6923]

It all just fits together.This is the best movie I have ever seen.

[@deborahhughes6923]

By no means is it "simpleminded" very powerful because it is "simple" but its very important. It's a "true" part of our history. Because time back then was simple, that was just it. But could be very violent at times. Just the way it was...

[@goated6146]

This is genuinely one of the best movies I've seen. I watch it again every year or two.

[@mynameiscaptain]

When my mom first bought this movie in 2013, I was uninterested in it completely because I've never been one to get sucked into the glorification of Jesse James, and I assumed it was that kind of film. But I distinctly remember being in my room when she put it on one day, and I could faintly hear it through the wall. The music was so beautiful, I came out of my room and asked my mom to rewind it so I could hear the song. Little did I know it would turn out to be my absolute favorite movie. I could probably recite the whole thing if you asked me to. I make references to it constantly and listen to the soundtrack pretty much every night.

[@tuanjim799]

It is a gorgeously mournful musical score that really matches up perfectly with the mournful tale being played out on screen. Nick Cave is awesome.

[@StuSaville]

Lost count of the number of people that I've tried to recommend this amazing movie to, only to see their eyes glaze over with disinterest at the mention of Jesse James or Brad Pitt. So frustrating...

[@sczarnecki5887]

This makes me wanna be friends with you.

[@sczarnecki5887]

@@theurbanloner8879 If there's one thing that makes a woman want to marry someone it's being called a broad.

[@AB-dq5kj]

It is really nice to have been acquainted with the movie this way.

[@christianzafiroglu6705]

Possibly the most beautiful looking film ever made. With its blurred-edge framing, earth tone color scheme, and superb blocking of characters, it feels like a time-machine film. Bless Roger Deakins. We are distinctly in the 1880s. Notice the crooked lines throughout. Nothing is truly on the level. And the score, Lord. What a film. A true masterwork.

[@rybrentmannftw]

Roger Deakins didn't do There Will be Blood. Other than that, great video.

[@JamsandTea]

rybrentmannftw thank you! And yeah, oops, hindsight is 20/20

[@adityarana2609]

It was Robert Elswit

[@ernestolombardo5811]

@@JamsandTea No Country had to stop shooting for a few days because the oil rig smoke from There Will Be Blood was in the background sky.

[@ILB_10]

I actually think the slow pace lends itself to the themes and emotions the movie tries to evoke and the way it was shot. It's one of my favorite movies and it was one that can be rewatched many times because as you said it's not really about the plot but about the characters.

[@dennis8309]

It's a shame the ADD generation would consider it slow. I do not find it slow in any way and hope the director's cut will be released so I can enjoy the bonus scenes. When speaking of it's pace, it builds the tension perfectly...

[@Johnnysmithy24]

@@dennis8309 I think it is slow, and thank god for that.

[@dennis8309]

@@Johnnysmithy24 -Slow really?

[@Johnnysmithy24]

@@dennis8309 I mean it is a slow paced movie. But hear me out I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, maybe it won’t appeal to casual movie goers, but I don’t see a movie being slow as a bad thing. Movies hit me harder, and immerse me more if they are slow burns. I saw Tenet a few days ago and I almost had a headache because of how fast paced it was and how little patience and intimacy it had in its storytelling, the characters were one-dimensional and there was no subtlety at all. Basically meaningless to me. I thank the world for movies like Jesse James that are slow paced, it shows they care for the story they are telling.

[@dennis8309]

@@Johnnysmithy24 - Oh I understood what you ment, I'm just surprised. I don't feel it's slow, I feel that each scene is important and builds as it goes...

[@charlottebuchanan3193]

One word describes this film. Perfect.

[@Medavelvan]

I am searching for a few kindred souls to discuss The Assassination of Jesse James for a future broadcast; intended for folk of similar temperment.

[@artjogo]

i regret not seeing this movie in theaters. Such an amazing film! the music soundtrack by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis should have won an Oscar as well. very underrated movie overall

[@brittyn]

it was beautiful on the big screen. wish i could see it there again.

[@dash4800]

A friend and I actually had the foresight to see it on the big screen. There was nobody else there. It was amazing. But its really strange to see something so great that basically only you know about. There werent internet reviews like this back then.

[@AnnaLVajda]

I did but I don't like sitting in theatres for so long the big screen is good the seating crowd climate annoys me though.

[@CryWolf-sm9iw]

To me this movie was the best movie to come out in 2007. It’s also one of the best westerns I’ve ever seen. And like Robert Ford, the movie was unceremoniously dumped on dvd without much fanfare.

[@dfa3366]

Amazing film. I can't believe I missed this when it came out. Just saw it on HBO. Great cast and performances. The cinematography is like art work. The pacing is myth like. And the score ads to the haunting flow. It's over 2hrs and 30 mins but it never stalls.

[@JamsandTea]

Seeing this video and my channel grow has been so encouraging, thank you all so much.

[@emeraldviolet2001]

this is one of my favorite films of all time. Too beyond the perceptions of the mass cinema audience. A deep, touching movie!!!

[@christianbulich7363]

Thank you for this video. It makes my heart beat faster when I see people support this film and show the respect it really deserves. One of my favorites in the last 20 years.

[@Thomas-cr2pt]

I would love to see the original 4 hour version but unlikely we ever will.

[@iago8761]

Man the music in this movie is something alive!

[@somethingboss]

I have to admit, I bought this on dvd years ago (like 2009) and never watched it until yesterday.... What an idiot I have been. I didn't expect much from this movie and sure the first half is slower than the 2nd half but wow! This movie surprised me ALOT! I would say this is one of my new most favorite western movies but I actually wished it was longer or had got a prequel to see him in his years before this at the height of his James-Younger Gang era.

[@BreezeeGreenz]

Maybe the producer should make a prequel now about James's younger years before the height of his 'career' as a way of resurrecting this movie and story. What a shame I am only right now starting to watch this movie.

[@josho1459]

You bought a movie and just let it sit for nine years? WHO DOES THAT?!?!?!?!

[@melissamartin9615]

I did the same damn thang!! Only the DVD gets stuck in one spot and I am DYING.....

[@johndunne7656]

Still, you DID watch it, and now, it's a favorite. Mission-accomplished. Has tremendous rewatchability factor for me. Once a year, perhaps.

[@oxford9381]

I'm glad this movie is getting noticed again, thanks in part, I think, to Casey Affleck's brilliant performance in 2016's Manchester by the Sea, and several people are revisiting or getting newly acquainted with his impressive resume prior. Brad Pitt gives an impressive turn, but I believe it is Affleck who carries this film from the start, and long after Brad's Jesse exits the film. That Casey was not a box-office megastar draw, plus the admittedly lengthy running time and the meditative pace, I can understand how it struggled to find larger audiences when it was released. But I've come across several comments from critics and industry people who echo your fondness for this film and have always held this movie in the highest regard. It is definitely worth a second look. There is much to appreciate, as you clearly present here. I love the cinematography as well. It is also gratifying, as I'm sure you will now agree, that you may have been proven wrong about Casey "never getting the recognition he deserved." He certainly proved he more than deserved the Oscar nomination for this, and of course we now know what a gifted actor he has always been. Behind the shadow no more. Thanks for taking the time to resurrect the movie. An admirable and comprehensive analysis and tribute from someone who can clearly illustrate and vocalize his appreciation. {{ (My only small pet peeve is the way you pronounce "biopic" and "aforementioned." But no one's perfect. :) }}

[@stevem2323]

I disagree about that, to me Brad was equally important and impressive.

[@deniseg812]

I did. It's opened me up to actors you watch like a musician playing a song you like over and over. Casey is an enormously talented actor, he deserves better parts.

[@kieran3237]

Probably my favourite film of all time,I love the language,the scenes,the acting..its such a deep film,Pitt is brilliant but Casey Affleck steals the show.The music is haunting,the assassination itself is heartbreaking.I could watch this film a thousand times and see something different in it each time.

[@gerrydonnelly3629]

that was a really enjoyable quarter of an hour.

[@InsideJacobsMind]

Fantastic analysis on this masterpiece, incredibly well-written and put together you should be really proud of yourself man! "Forgotten" is exactly right, I only just saw this for the first time a couple of days ago. I'd never heard anyone talk about it, and was mostly interested because I'm a huge Sam Rockwell fan. I did not at all expect the film that I got, one that has had such a profound impact on me and won't leave my brain. Brilliant work, can't wait to watch the rest of your videos. Your channel, like Robert Ford deserves much more attention. You've earned a new subscriber :)

[@JamsandTea]

InsideJacobsMind thank you so much! I'm working on a lot of stuff It just takes a while. Kind words do a lot to encourage me ☺️

[@nateds7326]

I saw this movie on a projector at my house. I popped in the blu Ray,watched it,and then just starred at the credits speechless for 3 minutes. Wow. What a film. I think this might be the best western ever made. Both affleck and Pitt are freaking Oscar worthy, as is roger deacons camera work and Dominick’s direction. The sound design is very shocking the hits and the gunshots don’t sound cinematic they sound real. Probably one of the best films ever made.

[@JohnMccann-ld3yr]

Couldn't agree more my friend, best Western ever made to me and possibly one of the best films I have ever seen

[@scotthoward7058]

That scene at the dinner table where Bob talks about their similarities is harrowing. This is a beautiful masterpiece!!

[@AmazingTNT]

I also love how this movie displays the characters. You touched on this quite a bit, but what was most intriguing to me was that the audience is made to believe that Jesse James is the villain of the movie and Ford is the protagonist. As the movie goes on though, that role is switched. Viewers quickly discover the softer side to James, and start to despise Ford for his manipulation and lies. In my opinion, this movie crafts two of the greatest antiheroes in all of cinema.

[@johnp.smithasimpleman7281]

Um what? To me it was the exact opposite

[@madamecaboose5431]

I’m glad my film teacher assigned this movie for us to watch. It’s the only film I can remember being assigned for the class and we were assigned about 10 films to watch. Casey Affleck’s performance of Robert Ford is oddly relatable, being 19 myself, it’s a slap to the face when you get into adulthood and learn that everything you thought you knew was all wrong.

[@aarona.aronson5779]

One of my favourite movies of all time. It's just perfect. The soundtrack, the narrating, the cinematography, the acting (oh my god Brad Pitts performance was one of the best of all time, Affleck is absolutely amazing as well & Rockwell is good as always). This movie is an matchless experience.

[@StopFlaggingVideos]

this movie's score really lends itself to this review/analysis. perfect background and mood setter

[@fredlamprey8824]

I have the DVD of the movie. The more I watch it, the better it gets. The sound tract is ridiculously great!

[@joshuapaulramey3204]

There Will Be Blood was shot by Robert Elswit - not Roger Deakins, as it says in this video. Robert Elswit even won the Oscar for TWBB. Deakins, Elswit, and Lubezki (Chivo) are some of my favorites, I just think Robert deserves credit for being the D.P. for that masterpiece in There Will Be Blood!

[@romayin]

THANK YOU for this! I love this movie so much, It makes me so happy to find people that enjoy it as much as me and that pay tribute to it. Great analysis!

[@sirphineasluciusambercromb9114]

I saw this in 2007, and I live in Independence, Missouri, near Liberty, Kearney, Ft Leavenworth and St Joseph. As a local historian, obviously the film grabbed my attention. Brad Pitt grew up in Western Missouri about three hours S of Kansas City in Springfield, so he has the accent and colloquialisms of the frontier prairie here perfectly down. As dramatic actors Casey Affleck, Pitt and the other actors are superb. The clothes and furniture and guns used are exact to the tiniest details. The train robbery scene is historically accurate too, because it is so violent. Every scene is brutal, brooding and beautiful. Only one minor complaint can be found. The prairie here is hills under 500 feet at best. There are no mountains in NW Missouri. Besides that, the film is flawless as legend, drama, tragedy and history. It's easily a 9.5/10 and better than No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood and the other Westerns that year. It is more important now than, in 2007, for all men and boys to see this film. It teaches us lessons that are eternal about male courage, fear, cowardice and friendship.

[@zlodrim9284]

This video helped me understand the film and the lineage it was drawing from much better when I knew next to nothing about westerns, still one of my favorite videos on this platform regarding the film!

[@JamsandTea]

Thank you so much!

[@VinelSeason]

This movie is god damn incredible. One of my favorite films of all time

[@bizarospeak]

I watched this movie last night for the first time, and I honestly have no idea how I've gone 10 years without seeing it. Direction, cinematography, and acting are all amazing, and as a huge fan of Nick Cave (loved his cameo) the score him and Warren provided was absolutely haunting. I honestly remember the advertising to paint it in a different light. Made it seem a bit more light in tone. Not sure, but I remember over looking it when it was released.

[@ragnarlodbrok1233]

Most underrated movie ever!

[@tiamatxvxianash9202]

A 1st class presentation here on this immortal film. Thank You.

[@nuitsblanchesuniversite8950]

Casey afleck and brad pitt played the role very well, the indifference about death in both charater made us love them both. So many feelings in this movie, the cinematography concentrate on faces for long periods plus the music that's what gives this movie its eternality.

[@derekgreen7319]

In the book Jesse is overhead saying to himself about a novel "why do they call that man my name?".

[@johndunne7656]

Very good commentary--thanks for putting this together, well-done. Notion that the "film scenes in some cases are clearer than moments in your own life" was outstanding--for many of us.

[@heavymeddle28]

I had no idea at the time but this movie is one of my favourites. If not The favourite movie of mine. The music, the cast... Everything

[@peacockt0602]

You met this films brilliance in your analysis. I was watching best scenes when I wandered onto your video, and I'm grateful I did. Your work deserves praise. Thank you.

[@jamesd2031]

Just discovered your channel, I love it man this is one of my favorite movies and it's great to see someone else get it.

[@JamsandTea]

jamesd2031 Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!

[@nickfitchner3218]

This is one of the most unique westerns I've ever seen! I agree it was overshadowed by two other phenomenal films, but this movie deserves far more recognition then it gets.

[@mattnorman8370]

This film should age like fine wine.

[@kwakekamdivasi591]

Wow! What a review! I think this video is almost as underappreciated as the movie itself... good job man!

[@yakhooves]

Great analysis of this film! It’s one of my favorite movies, and I made it my personal mission to make sure I could get as many of my friends and coworkers to watch it. So far, every single one who does, has wondered why they hadn’t heard if it before. “Haunting and beautiful,” a friend summed it up. When I learned that it had been so unsuccessful at the box office, it actually felt like a gut punch. I’m glad you made this video to help get the word out, for this hidden gem.

[@flipper2911]

I'm from Germany and this one of my favorites. I can't understand why it is so incredibly underrated. Thank you so much for your brillant work (and please excuse my english). Greetings from Germany ;o)

[@JamsandTea]

Much obliged :)

[@Lerumpolerum]

Hello, (please excuse my English).

[@flipper2911]

@@Lerumpolerum my "bad" English...sorry

[@Lerumpolerum]

@@flipper2911 the point was that you don’t need to excuse your english. Come on, you are from Germany, you speak decent english, why do you apologise.

[@flipper2911]

@@Lerumpolerum Simply out of politeness and respect for native speakers if I express myself badly or make mistakes. I simply meant it in the most respectful way.

[@maarontaylor7698]

Absolutely fascinating and intriguing film, even when the antagonist dies another is created and the haunting theme continues to the film's end with each scene meticulously framed and shot

[@bigrichxl91]

amazing review man! this is one of my favourite films and you did a great job

[@WINDOWS94198]

enjoyed so much with your in-depth analysis men, I just can't get enough..

[@lauriescott9775]

I have never been more overwhelmed to the credulous moments that are so moving that I find myself standing in the emotion; completely frozen. Thank you from a place I cannot express no matter time i invest to search. It brings me the calm that no other experience has or ever will. I am also the opposite poles. No other reflection of a human has or will become my hearts truth

[@exodusexodus7608]

Amazing analysis! Thanks a lot! you really made me happy! i kinda like the fact that no one talks about this movie the way they talk about "No Country for Old Men" and "There Will be Blood". 2007 is THE year!

[@JamsandTea]

Exodus Tubez thank you! You guys have been great with your support

[@JamsandTea]

sheens43 You listed two films I actually plan on making videos for 😂 I applaud your good taste

[@timberwolf5883]

I love this movie, really tells me about my great great great uncle! (Jesse James)

[@oriahmiller1282]

This was really interesting and entertaining well done, also I'm studying this film in college so this video has been very helpful!

[@PhilipDallmeier]

Wonderful video! This move is so underrated. I think the general public couldn’t hang with the slow pace. It’s pure art. I have never watched a film and felt truly transferred to the era in which its set.

[@mphrdldn]

Thank you for creating this clip. I rented this film a couple of years after it was released and really enjoyed it. I wish I HAD seen the stunning cinematography in the theater.

[@rickgerrard8922]

Your review and analysis on on par with the grandeur of the film itself. Truly, one of the more evaluative videos on KZbin.

[@dallinn9164]

This is probably my favorite western ever made. It's not like any other movie of its genre. It's very dark and very sombre, and I love the melancholy soundtrack and the novel-style narration.

[@mattbird7274]

You had me hooked from the opening - the perfect selection of footage edited to 'What Must Be Done' gave me chills.

[@JamsandTea]

Matt Bird thanks! I wanted that to be the intended effect so I'm glad it worked on someone 👍

[@SteppingStone445]

My favorite movie. When I first saw it it was Casey Affleck's acting that stunned me. I couldn't believe how real he was in this movie.

[@paulsmith3994]

I watched this film last night. Found your review this morning. Bravo sir, it is a quality review made for a quality film. Brilliantly done. This film is so haunting it sticks with you long after it's over. Its so layered. I worked in a London cinema in 2007 during its release and didn't fully appreciate it back then, although the aesthetic, mood, performances and the score I never forgot... I highly recommend this film too. Brad is outstanding but I think casey commands ficus in this film. He's got an intensity that could start forest fires.

[@bushnj8748]

I just saw this movie and went str8 to your break down. Wonderful job and thanks so much for adding more perspective and context to this piece for me. The one line where you mentioned people idolizing a human who is famous and flawed and hating another human who is just misunderstood was a perfect summation to this films core. I think this film did a great job on making the audience feel all the different emotions the different characters were feeling but one element I saw being used repetitively in this movie is the idea of how people deal with their inevitable end or circumstances in life....such as the train robbery where the guy refuses to get on his knees, all Jesse Jame's coconspirators he toyed with before killing them as they knew he was ultimately going to kill them, Wood knowing his friend Dick was eventually going to sleep with his father's wife , Jesse knowing he was going down and allowed Robert to get the underhand on him to kill him. Do you go out with being okay with it and choosing the inevitable or do you fight it every inch along the way. The end was interesting as it dealt with both Ford brothers fate. It kind of reminds me of this Jay-Z Line "Dark Knight feeling, die and be a hero. Or live long enough to see yourself become a villain".

[@gsxrbuckeye]

The ONLY thing I have ever enjoyed more than this film, was your amazing review just now. Stunning. Simply stunning.

[@saturatedcranium]

This film was the best accidental thing I've discovered in recent times

[@immunityzeroIZ]

This movie is deserving of best picture. It still remains one of the best films I’ve seen. I saw it in theatres, but every time I try to watch it at home with anyone they can’t make it through the run time and that is sad and somewhat devastating for film in general. Great video.

[@thebapness]

Your whole analysis is outstanding.I really enjoyed it.For this film is one that makes me glad to be alive.

[@deadpandadolls]

This film brought Ron Hansen to my attention and I have read all if his novels. I would have loved if Dominick could have brought Hansen's Desperadoes to life.

[@WorldsWorstBoy]

I bought this for like 50 cents in the used section at FYE years back. Never regretted it. I actually love this movie.

[@TouchDirt]

Thank you for such a beautiful review for truely special movie. The final act and soundtrack still bring tears to my eyes and sorrow to my heart.

[@justinkyle5091]

Outstanding work. Fantastic analysis. Thank you for this gem

[@windupbirdpictures]

Watched this film four times in the cinema and haven't watched it since then. Incredible piece of work. Not often you get to experience something this unique made on a large scale on the big screen. Will have to revisit the film again sometime soon.

[@helenwilliams7065]

One of the most beautifully crafted and filmed movies, with a haunting score and incredible performances.

[@heavymeddle28]

One of the best films ive seen. The soundtrack is wonderful too

[@heavymeddle28]

@David Vance wonderful piano. The whole "atmosphere" is so spot on with the music

[@razorchuckles]

Great video - and like so many people, I did not see this movie until ten years later. Truly a magnificent piece of cinema - and had it not been for Nick Cave's soundtrack I probably wouldn't have taken notice. Such powerful music.

[@ldude]

whoever you are sir, I wanna have a beer with you, wow, this was an insanely good review of one of my fav movies ever, this movie was so silent, yet, so powerfull!!!!!

[@gavinloge373]

The music and narration of this film were incredible let alone the cinematography

[@ericangevinemiller2807]

Thanks for this thoughtful review. It is one of my favorite films that, as you mention, is often forgotten. One thing to point out, however, is that Roger Deakins was not the cinematographer for There Will Be Blood. That was Robert Elswit, who won the Academy Award for that film in 2007.

[@corbenalley8382]

Was just gonna say that. Man has still not gotten an Oscar yet. But great work all around that year. What a year 07 was.

[@JamsandTea]

Eric Miller yeah that mistake is gonna haunt me 😅 no clue why I thought that without checking. But thank you!

[@BallMEBroBeans]

Hey man, seriously awesome video! Great summary and analysis. One suggestion would be to remove the title screens in between segments, they break up the pace of the video and make it seem more like a school slideshow. Other than that, loved it! Keep making videos.

[@popemobile4489]

I recently watched the film and loved it. And, as appose to what you said you hoped for, it led me to this video which I now also love. Great work, man.

[@mattkemerait]

I LOVED this movie. I didn't see it until about a year ago but it blew me away. I totally agree that this film deserves way more praise than it has gotten.

[@shahid-irshad]

I purposefully looked up a review of this movie (and didn’t just come while scrolling down ) and this didn’t disappoint me. Instead an excellent review. A thorough and well narrated review. This movie will stuck in my imagination for the rest of my life. Loved and enjoyed each moment of it.

[@Winchester1973]

Great review!! I am glad to find there are other people who love this movie as much as I do! Cheers from Germany!

[@Banksy100]

I live in Nottingham, UK. We have an excellent independent cinema called Broadway. It's opposite my other favourite cinema, famous for being the smallest in Europe having a capacity of 22. Unfortunately it was closed a few years back now. The Broadway is also where Tarantino decided to premier Reservoir Dogs(fun fact). When the Jesse James film was released I made a point of attending the first showing but purely because I HAD to hear the soundtrack, I had no real interest in the visual aspect at all. The soundtrack did not disappoint, in actuality it far surpassed my expectations by a long shot. Little did I know that this movie would blow me away in every single way and become an all-time favourite of mine! Everything you say in your piece is spot on mate! The only thing I would disagree with is that I feel blessed to one of the few lucky people who are aware of this amazing piece of art. We're part of a pretty exclusive club I'd argue? Brilliant xx

[@LizzyTexBorden]

This whole movie is a beautiful, sad and melancholy poem.

[@heinzelias]

2 things that will never ever disappear from the embodiment of a beautiful motion picture , perfect score and cinematography , modern movies can have everything but this 2 remains the perfect duo when it comes to beautiful movies , and sadly these 2 are the most neglected nowadays , the perfect movie recipe neglected

[@anatolearakelian8454]

Wow, great video. Amazing movie. Surprised your channel doesn't have a bigger audience.

[@brittyn]

I enjoyed this film far more than There Will Be Blood or No Country for Old Men (although that's a close second!). The cinematography, score, acting.. all top notch. I have watched it several times since and only have watched No Country for Old Men once since the theater. Roger Deakins had no involvement in There Will Be Blood, however.

[@whatwilliswastalkingabout]

This is, in my opinion, the best movie ever

[@jbidwell605]

Brilliant assessment, thank you for posting it. I loved this film, especially Deakin"s work and Casey Affleck's performance, and I couldn't understand why it didn't get more recognition at the time. Maybe more people will revisit it.

[@thefilmpoets]

Nice job. But I’m so hurt that the film scenes were cropped to 16x9.

[@maxcoffin4666]

The Film Poets Are you sure you're gonna be OK? I wouldn't want that on my worst enemies. It will be OK, I'm praying for you.

[@Johnnysmithy24]

Wut

[@rmarciano49]

I found the narration of the film played as large a part as the acting. The voice of the narrator was flat and even, yet distinct. I feel it lent a feeling of loneliness, and at the same time something soothing. In a film of long silence it was exactly what was needed to give a human quality to it's cast. That said awesome film.

[@daviddeiss3073]

Fuck, Dude It was a honer to listen such a great analysis. Liked it a lot. The movie itself is a way underrated than it should be.

[@the.shotgun.approach]

Definitely one of my all time favorite films...just criminally underrated.