Movies I Love (and so can you): The Assassination of Jesse James by the... (2007) [*Spoilers*]

"Just because you shot Jesse James don't make you Jesse James."
(KZbin limited how long I could title the video. My apologies.)
I tweet -- @callme_yosh
I tumble -- joshwbradley.tumblr.com

[@AB-kx4ty]

A modern masterpiece. Everything from the complex character study, cinematography, musical score - perfection. I think people went in to it expecting an all action Western rather than a deep complex piece of art.

[@Arrogan28]

The whole point of the title, of the book with the same name, is the idea that Robert was misunderstood. The book calls him a coward to make you question it right from the start...

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

Excellent review of an outstanding But neglected film. This film featured (at least) three outstanding performances -- Casey Affleck proved yet again that he is the serious actor in the Affleck family, Brad Pitt was ROBBED of an Oscar nomination for this film, and Sam Rockwell was brilliant as the "other" Ford brother. It is also beautifully filmed!

[@dennis8309]

Dick, Ed, and all the supporting cast were awesome as well...

[@mrkemrk]

I love that this film is finally getting the recognition it so deserves. One of the best American films ever. Period.

[@donna25871]

Mark Rocha directed by an Australian (Andrew Dominik).

[@sebastiansfeci1305]

the greatest american film of the 00s in my opinion.

[@stefansiljanoski9812]

Agreed. Children Of Men is my second favorite.

[@sebastiansfeci1305]

Stefan Siljanoski good choice, Cuaron's best work imo. I think I'd go with either Mulholaland dr, Lost in translation or Synecdoche new york though personally personally

[@stefansiljanoski9812]

sebastian sfeci Great choices, though I still heaven't seen Synecdoche. Guess it's about time to see it, I generally like Kaufman's work.

[@apoc3037]

better than There will be blood?

[@mrkemrk]

+Bastian Teifer It's close in my book. And in some ways, I say yes.

[@nickparadies350]

Great analysis. This is actually my all time favorite film, and I dream that one day Criterion will release the full 4 hour director’s cut.

[@raphaelkalid3212]

I think they call him the coward ironically, suggesting otherwise.

[@MrDunkin268]

I think it's title is "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" in order to display the title of the event that it had been given by the public following James' death. Many people saw Ford as a coward and I think the title is purposefully ironic, as if that's the title so that over the course of the movie you can see the flaws in it

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

It was also the title of the real-life stage play that became popular after Ford killed Jesse James. The film accurately shows that Ford himself "starred" in the play, reenacting the murder of James in a pathetic attempt to make $$$ and acquire fame for his "noble" deed.

[@nickparadies350]

Sam Bobo I think it also has to do with the fact that in a metaphorical sense, Bob had been killing Jesse since the minute they met, slowly, by his obsession.

[@havi.1197]

Or maybe because that's the name of the novel by Ron Hansen, but great analogies, anyway.

[@ubarent]

I too truly love this movie. Part of it's magic is also Ron Hansen, author of the book it is based on. The narratives are Ron Hansen's which gave it great depth. I will agree that the cinematography and music made it more powerful. It is a "slow burn" for sure, but that is what I love about it. Those who think it is boring, or don't get it, truly do not "get it".

[@williamlarochelle6833]

The Assassination of Jesse James is an unmissable masterpiece. A jewel.

[@jfalconredskins]

Brilliant! This is one of my all time favorite movies and you just put all my feelings/emotions about it into words. Thank you.

[@donna25871]

One day I hope Criterion release the full four hour director’s cut. Brad mentioned it while promoting Ad Astra and it’s incredible.

[@MrNothinbad]

Top movies from the 2000s 1. There will be blood 2. Spirited Away 3. Mulholland Dr 4. Eternal Sunshine 5. No Country For Old Man 6. The Assassination of Jesse James 7. Synecdoche New York 8. Children Of Men 9. Lost in Translation 10. The Dark Knight

[@tonywords6713]

solid list

[@1719enemy]

I always have to come back to watch this once in awhile. This review singlehandedly made this movie my favorite movie of all time! Thank you for providing all of your phenomenal work. Definitely makes you go back to rewatch and notice small details I never noticed before. Honestly such a beautiful film. Thank you again!

[@MrJaccdem]

Don’t forget the soundtrack. Great music !

[@idiomfilms6661]

Thank goodness you made another one Marcus, this series is wonderful. Keep it up!

[@wulord]

I really dig this review - I felt like this was the first movie I watched and "got" to any real extent. I remember geeking out about how important the title looked on the box, with such an emphasis on Jesse's name and making such an afterthought of Ford's; the movie being so about Jesse's life, but through the eyes of Ford who doesn't realize that Jesse is 90% mythology, so when Ford kills him he doesn't garner the support he thought he would since he isn't the character to Jesse's audience that Jesse was... it was the first movie I felt like I saw depth in. Love the videos here. The analysis of Memento was super strong and helpful to me - I love Nolan's films, he was my first favorite director, but I started to dismiss them (pretentiously) because some aspects of some of them seemed weak (scripts, typically).

[@babakong9735]

There's a lot of competition, but I think this is the best Western made to date.

[@EdNorty]

Baba Kong And it's not even a Western in the traditional sense. It's basically what happens after the archetypal Western.

[@meflove]

Baba Kong I don't really think of it as a western.

[@whysosrs5534]

@@meflove Doesn't even take place in the west lol. Best outlaw movie though.

[@derekgreen7319]

Deadwood gives it a run for its money. Although its not a movie.

[@donna25871]

It’s not really a western in the same way that First Man is not really a movie about the first moon landing. They are metaphors for more universal themes, obsession (Jesse James) and grief (First Man).

[@DuckmansRevenge]

I thought the title was to subvert expectations of the preconceived view of Jesse James

[@LightoYagasamiSan]

I just saw the film cause you covered it. Could not have spend my time better! It makes the movie more complete to have watched this.

[@jnniel0]

I love this movie. Between this and In Bruges I think you have my two favorite movies that most people have never seen.

[@onekidarmy]

Finally! I've been waiting forever for you to put out another one of these. Love these videos, man.

[@Grungk]

Your reviews are so good I go and re watch them every now and then.

[@jarrodanderson2124]

An absolute masterpiece.

[@FlyingGold]

I just saw the movie and this is the best analysis I heard so far. great job man!

[@LeonEyedass]

Ah, i've been looking forward to this video, thank you so much for once again a terrific analysis of a great film, you are the best.

[@itisatlas]

I look forward to these videos man, they are always great.

[@jorgevial131]

I have watched this movie more than ten times. It haunts me. What a perfect film.

[@joshlovesays]

Great review and analysis. One of my favorite movies of all time. 

[@KOPKAS2112]

***** I also enjoy Jesse James casserole. But I like this film more.

[@joshlovesays]

Son of a bitch!

[@KOPKAS2112]

:D

[@Haundo421]

Great video. I love how complex Bob and Jesse are in this film. Great acting by both Casey and Bradley

[@mikeperrelli315]

I watched all your vids. Love em. Great Indepth look and insight I always wanted to have myself , you have that talent. I enjoy your voice opinions and facts.. Please do more ASAP .. You open my eyes and outlook on all these movies to now make them perfect in my mind.. Thank you great job

[@thubelihlezondi5822]

You just earned yourself a subscriber.

[@MrEmahony]

Great review! Started using your reviews as a guide of films to watch (watching the reviews after)! :D

[@paulmarion3013]

Damn bro, just found your channel yesterday and you seriously kill these videos

[@paddyrhatigan1590]

BEST Movie ever made.

[@bencarlson4300]

Roger Deakins is the man. The story and the acting are all great, but the real star for me is the cinematography (which lost the Oscar in a stacked category that year)

[@Trenchard7]

A great review, there was a lot to this film that I hadn't seen before. Keep doing these, this is your best one yet!

[@TheEwokExplorer]

A stunningly beautiful masterpiece with haunting timeless performances. Criminally underrated classic.

[@redbeard6666]

Amazing. Please keep these videos coming!!!

[@richardadesmond]

Yep. Great video. I too think this is Pitt's best performance, fight me, lol. He has said in interviews that this was his favourite role and film to ever act in.

[@stevecheevers7337]

One of the American greats of 00's that as a few said already is sadly neglected, by audiences and critics. I could have imagine Terrence Malick making this back in the 70's, even Sam Peckinpah in his pomp. Andrew Dominik would be doing well to top this classic anytime soon, even though his debut Chopper is fantastic and Killing Them Softly is another neglected gem in his canon. Casey Affleck proved himself a fantastic actor with this, and Brad Pitt deserves praise for getting this made cause it was tough going and losing money on it. Pitt is fantastic too in this. Add in Sam Shepard, Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner and Paul Schneider. Plus some of the most beautiful camera work by the great Roger Deakins. Awesome soundtrack by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. This is a Art House Western and modern day classic.

[@nickparadies350]

steve cheevers fun fact, Deakins and Dominik used Malick’s Days of Heaven as a template for the look of this film. Hence the earthy colors and wheat fields.

[@donna25871]

Dominik also directed some of the second season of Mindhunter.

[@faceofleather]

Great analysis! I've watched this film over a dozen times but this review covers things I hadn't thought of. It made me look at it with fresh eyes.

[@jfalconredskins]

+Jason Douglas You've watched it that many times too? I thought I was the only one. My friends, family and girlfriend think I'm crazy. I guess I am, kind of obsessed with this movie. The scenery, music, dialogue, actors, story, costumes... I can't find a word to describe it.

[@faceofleather]

@@jfalconredskins Sorry for the long delay! Yes, you can treble that number over the past 3 years and my regard for the film remains undimmed.

[@faceofleather]

@Rosalba Morales Same! It's probably the only film that's ever stuck in my mind to such an extent.

[@jfalconredskins]

@@faceofleather The novel is an interesting read if you can get your hands on it. Actually, most of it is word for word the same as the movie, but there are some great parts where the author explains the events before and after the story.

[@faceofleather]

@@jfalconredskins I managed to pick up a copy a few years ago and it's excellent. You can almost read some of the lines in the narrator's voice (apart from the narration that was used in the film). And you're right, it provides more context to the events on the film. A re-read is long overdue actually!

[@terminataroma1]

Great analysis. I tend to see this film more as a double tragedy than a character study. not that there isn't any character study in it. But the characters that it studies (both Bob and jesse) are more instruments to make a point across. Beyond the social critique it entails, the film talks more about the dangers of ideology. It is that which once Made Jesse James become who he is, as well as Bob the one to kill Jesse and Edward O. kelly the one to kill Bob. In Jesse we see a strong man being destroyed by the untennable pressures of being America's hero and public enemy number one, which pushes him to commit suicide; in Bob we see the fan of the figure and not of the man, whose own fanaticism ostrasizes him to the point of being forgotten, hated, misunderstood and murdered. The film shows us two different tragedies, sparked by the same pernicious ideals of American greatness. Only one of these tragedies is stronger, due to the fact that Jesse James and Edward o. Kelly both killed people on the back that didn't even deserve it and were praised by it; whereas Bob did it for self-preservation and fame but was strangely hated by society because of his unpopular behaviour. I wish you'd have left bob's quote: "You know what I was expecting? Applause". Poor Bob, if only he had known that his method of obtaining popularity would be massively unpopular. Hence, if you are looking for Glory, the values of a country or congregation are never to be trusted, but the impact they Will play out in the crowd mentality. On a side note: I think that it is interesting how Bob is a character that doesn't just change his stance once but twice. Rarely does that happen in a film, and that is yet another reason to consider it among the best of all time. I can't think of a better film in the previous decade, other than Mulholland Dr.

[@Steve_Schiffenhaus]

This was a nice review video - but your comment nailed it, or my closely aligns with how I saw a lot of the themes in the movie - I too love Bob’s reflection “I was 20 then, I didn’t understand how people would react to it”

[@jnniel0]

Really happy I found this series and also that I have already seen all the movies. Fun to way to almost rewatch and in some cases see a different perspective.

[@Daemon3667]

This film is a underrated masterpiece!

[@Iankiely]

Great review and discussion about this unbelievable and incredibly underrated film. I really enjoyed watching it !

[@Rob-sk1im]

I would consider this a masterpiece overall... the one scene that always stays with me is the one with Brad Pitt and Garret Dillahunt. There was so much brilliant acting in that particular scene.

[@JeanLucDickhard]

Great video! This movie is amazing (as is the soubdtrack).

[@Vandalle.]

Casey Affleck is a fucking phenomenal actor. As amazing as this movie is, I don’t think it would be nearly as good without his performance. He is massively overlooked and underrated, but everything he’s in he’s incredible, gotta be my favourite actor.

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

Top 5 movie of all time

[@jacobdominguez7808]

EXCELLENT analysis!

[@henryp7416]

This is my favorite movie of all time. I've seen it dozens of times. Deep and complex

[@mdunn16]

Brilliant analysis.

[@williamfloyd5729]

Great video!

[@StankPlanks]

Great review man!

[@charlesdubus1017]

one of my top 10 favorite films too ! a masterpiece

[@Elerad]

"Can't figure it out... you wanna be like me, or you wanna BE me?" It's awesome how that one, early line so sets the stage for the entire film. Damn but I love this film. One of the most underappreciated gems out there. As for the title, I love it BECAUSE it isn't accurate. Instead, it's how the public perceived things. It's intentionally salacious and slanted, because the public saw the man's death as an assassination by a coward, and not what it actually was. And so the viewer goes into the movie expecting to see a story in which we are angered by a cowardly man viciously murdering a larger-than-life hero, and instead we get an emotional story of a complex man's life leading up to an act that could be viewed in many different ways.

[@thomasbaron5367]

I absolutely love this movie! One of my favorites :)

[@VIK_1903]

Found you on Reddit. congrats on the essay

[@VinelSeason]

Definitely one of the greatest movies of all time

[@joe56474]

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis created what I believe to be the greatest soundtrack in the history of cinema for this movie. If you're unfamiliar with their other material, you'd be doing yourself a great service by checking them out.

[@dennis8309]

Greatest movie ever, and a fantastic review as well. There are two scenes with empty shoes. One being Jessie's daughter's show and Charlie's during his suicide. I've pondered this forever...any thoughts?

[@tonywords6713]

same, i can't seem to crack it. the use of diegetic music is noteworthy also.

[@dennis8309]

@@tonywords6713 - Empty 'soles'/souls? Can Bob ford fill Jesse's shoes perhaps?

[@codykp.]

Besides Afflecks, Rockwell, and of course Pitts acting being remembered, I love that Breaking Bad shout out.

[@84jba]

They called him a coward cuz he shot him behind his back..... the movie was one of my favorites by far but in that time of u didn’t face a person to fight or shoot it out u were considered a coward

[@deepcosmiclove]

It is interesting that everyone shot dead in this film is gunned-down from behind. I think that's the was it was out there. The fast-draw stuff is legend.

[@nersesarslanian6751]

great analysis

[@NoThanksnothanks]

What about the shiny new gun Jesse got him? Thoughts?

[@dennis8309]

A nickel plated piece of whoopass. I wonder where that piece is now...

[@andychase7693]

Great movie, absolutely one of my favorite Westerns. Maybe a little self conscious, a little bit "artsy", but I really liked it!

[@derekgreen7319]

No robert is not a coward. If you think that you misunderstood the movie.

[@DARTHBASTARD69]

No eulogies.

[@dennis8309]

I love you noticed the lost shoe. There are three scenes with empty shoes. Any ideas why?

[@deepcosmiclove]

Good question.

[@cambellfan22]

maybe its the concept of the title cause the assassination of Jessie james by the coward Robert ford is a mean that its a character assassination, cause in a way we hear about the legends of Jessie and what he has done but we see what he really is while the concept of Robert ford is that he still falls under the shadow of Jessie cause he wanted to be famous and legend but he never earned that right so what he did in a way was a cowardly way of earning the legacy.

[@christopherceasar5353]

nice

[@cambellfan22]

Starfire media -chris thank you, just saying what I think of the concept

[@newmansw93]

your reviews are incredible! I've always thought that this movie was enormously underrated (despite oscar nods)

[@sosovanrotha2502]

Best film ever made

[@marclayne9261]

the killer had a crush on Jesse.....& was obsessed.....

[@ebp5530]

Man believes in God and obeys. Man encounters God, studies him and begins to question his actions. Man believes he is better than God and kills him. Pretty much the classic conflict of modernist literature (Nietzsche s "God is dead"). But this movie adds historical context and beautiful unique touches to this archetypal story

[@thetarheelreenactor8239]

The last few seconds XD

[@rickysalgado1623]

I would love to see a spoof sequel to this movie called “ the assassination of Robert Ford by the coward Edward O’kelly” where they aggrandize robert’s death and edward’s motivations like they did in this one 🤣

[@jhtsurvival]

I honestly think the long title turned people away from this movie

[@erickloresal9427]

Reliving the scenes with u is💓💓💓

[@alfonsoparrado3112]

Why did Robert's ford brother commit suicide?

[@tdunph4250]

I'd say a underrated film

[@Grungk]

please more

[@brenb7794]

JESSE U WATCH OT FOR ALL OF THEM

[@sa-jh8is]

Good review, but misses the point on whether Robert Ford is a coward. The film makes a clear point his actions are not really cowardice, but that the court of public opinion demands that they are, so it is a moot point. A coward would not have gotten into his position in the first place, nor head out so long.

[@snowbellgaming7951]

I liked this movie. I'll give it a B+

[@jhtsurvival]

This was what made me like Brad Pitt. Casey Affleck did a great job

[@kchuntinghawk5514]

I love you too you are right

[@ethanmayne7373]

“Boy you got a big ol’ pecker for being such a little squirrel”

[@epicman13ful]

Music title at the start pls?

[@MoviesILoveandsocanyou]

Anduin Wrynn It's called "What Must Be Done" by Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, off the movie's soundtrack

[@epicman13ful]

MarcusHalberstram88 I did find it but thank you anyway. I love this series btw.

[@RonaldReaganRocks1]

Brilliant movie.

[@Renogade]

I really pity Robert Ford. He didn't deserve to be seen as a coward

[@edwardmaples4641]

Ford needs too pay what he did

[@SuperHoeCakes]

Review Mr Nobody.

[@jonhankes5901]

Don't need to put a spoiler warning on something that happened 138 years ago

[@kinarlimbu978]

Like i said jeese had a cold blooded killer he killed few n lived normal but ford brothers after killing jesse messed their head

[@thereliablesource7938]

*Spoiler alert* Jesse James gets assasinated by Robert Ford at the end.

[@edwardmaples4641]

Bob ford is a cower

[@tf4304]

Spoilers, Jesse James dies

[@corettaha7855]

Mj was innocent as we all know

[@ayindefrederick]

Great analysis but Bob was a coward because he shot Jesse in the back, not in a gun fight, not during battle he shot him in a cowards manner.

[@saifulbhuiyan1295]

And Jesse was a coward for taking the easy way out, and not facing what he had coming to him. So it works both ways