The Assassination of Jesse James - Deconstructing The Western

This week's video essay is an analysis of Andrew Dominik's 2007 masterpiece The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford. In this video, we look at the comparison between history, stories, and how they are both affected by our perceptions of them.
/ jackmoviereview
Detailed explanation of Lens Aberration:
drive.google.com/open?id=0Bwq...
Special thanks to Christian for Voice Over post processing, check out his channel here:
/ @truefilm1556

[@MrKrk221988]

One of the most underrated movies of the past decade.

[@efnarios]

too bad Cyrus didn't like it.

[@aaronzywicki2688]

I Don't Understand Why People Did Not Like This Film !

[@aarona.aronson5779]

The most and past time

[@joaquinserrano9614]

It´s a fantastic movie.

[@MrGriffinTalks]

All time

[@aberry89]

An utter masterpiece that still hasn't gotten its fair due. It was a transformative experience watching this film, I was utterly gripped by how perfect the story is woven and delicately balanced the characters are. You're right when saying there is not an aspect of this movie out of step - it's just - perfect. :)

[@RandyLittleStudios]

it was nominated for 2 Oscars. but yeah few people have viewed this beauty.

[@100nation8]

Wow..very well said. I can talk about dis movie 4 hours.

[@Johnnysmithy24]

@@RandyLittleStudios It should’ve won those 2 Oscars, and more

[@highwind1991]

2007 was an incredible year for films

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Definitely, it's rare when "the stars align" and we get a great year like that.

[@micahlee4625]

Adriano Vazquez It's incredible how many amazing movies came out that year.

[@TheFifaBaouss]

The year that gave us There Will Be Blood (best film of the 21st century imo) No Country For Old Men Zodiac The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

[@missx5472]

Adriano Vazquez Zodiac!!!

[@highwind1991]

Tree of life is my favorite film of the 21st century. But in terms of the 2000's decade, it's a toss up between zodiac, spirited away, synecdoche new york and in the mood for love

[@PauLtus_B]

I love this movie, I think it's a shame it has pretty much disappeared. It succeeds in every aspect you'd want from a movie and it is,I know this will sound pretentious, a beautifully existential movie. More than anything, I'm happy you gave it well deserved attention.

[@bluetrailerproductions7488]

It's getting much attention now, the music and love of westerns made me love The Movie

[@cinemaspire7258]

I wish this film had been like 4 hours long. I'd still love it as much!

[@donna25871]

Cinemaspire apparently there is a much longer version. Brad was talking about it recently while promoting Ad Astra and according him him it’s even better (although he hasn’t seen it for a few years). Criterion edition please 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@CB-vx8dt]

Roger Deakins said something similar

[@ernestolombardo5811]

You CAN watch something of this caliber that goes on for hours and hours. It's called "Deadwood". "Swedgin! Sanfransisco! Cocksuckers!"

[@bryansteele832]

It felt like chunks were missing, but maybe that was by design.

[@Johnnysmithy24]

@@donna25871 I need this

[@alanski2005]

It's a sign of the times when truly brilliant movies like this one do not get the attention they deserve.

[@YeshuaReal]

Probably top 10 as far as cinematography goes by the way. Incredible compositions.

[@truefilm1556]

+Del Fresco Absolutely! I'll sign that: Roger Deakins out-did himself here.

[@afroceltduck]

To steal a phrase from another KZbin channel, every frame in this movie is a painting.

[@YeshuaReal]

afroceltduck Indeed.

[@Johnnysmithy24]

Probably top 5 or 3 tbh

[@shaggybreeks]

Not at all! Just a bunch of face close-ups. The camera holds on the actor, while the actor holds some expression for way too long. It's just a bunch of face shots. It's the most BORING movie I've seen in a long time!

[@freegadflyathome]

Amazing casting, cinematography, and score. Jesse took off his guns and saw the reflection in the picture. He was tired and ready to go.

[@Composit.Design]

After watching this again, I have been wracking my brain looking for the real reason why Jesse lets Bob shoot him, seeing as it feels like such an abrupt change of heart. It seems pretty obvious that he doesn't stand on the chair with the intent of cleaning the picture. After combing the internet, I still haven't found a good dissection of this scene. My best guess is that it's a combination of him deciding he's tired, he's had enough, and sensing his impending fate after reading the article about Liddel's confession.

[@Quack_attack_]

@@Composit.Design throughout the film Jesse says some things like "you wont mind dying once you've peaked over the other side" and "you'd no more wanna go back to your body than you'd wanna spoon up your own puke" and "i go on journeys outside of my body" , which all leads me to believe that he had some kind of nde or could astral travel and knew what was awaiting

[@bradleyebling1464]

@@Composit.Design in real life he didn’t stand on a chair. I’m in St. Joseph Missouri and have to the house and the bullet which was much smaller when was a kid was at a height not compatible with standing on a chair. People have picked the whole tearing off pieces that they had to cover it with plexiglass.

[@tomr4604]

@@bradleyebling1464 I visited the house in St. Joseph. Jesse stood on a chair.

[@Jason32Bourne]

I felt bad for Ford the entire time. Tragic and sad life.

[@donna25871]

Such a brilliant film exploring obsession and celebrity within the context of the ‘western’ genre. Same way in which First Man isn’t about space.

[@christopherbarber5283]

Such an awesome analysis of one of my top ten favorite films of all time. It's certainly one of the most underrated. That score, chills

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!

[@t-boog2173]

First, I love the maturity of the film. It proves that realism and space can be even more powerful than hype and constant dialogue. Second, Casey's acting is just amazing. Ben has said that Casey is the real actor in the family and I def agree. Btw, Many people say Val should've won an Oscar for Tombstone but much of that character was in the writing(even Val admits that). Casey's Ford, however, has no witty lines or badass persona to support his character yet he shows even more range, complexity and realism. Third, I'm not the biggest Brad Pitt fan but in this movie he knocked it out the park. His Jesse is very complex & real and he's even more powerful without dialogue. He comunicates so much just through eye, face & body movements. Bottom line, This film, more than any other western, is like taking a time machine back to the old west. The cinematography looks both real & beautiful, the music is subtle yet haunting & powerful and the narration makes it feel even more historically accurate. I give it three thumbs up. IMO this movie is even better than it's great reputation suggest. It's just outstanding.

[@rickgerrard8922]

You encapsulated everything I might have said. Another film analysis fellow made the statement, "I can recall scenes in this film with greater clarity than scenes in my own life." Says it all. Haunting movie, and a score that I cannot get out of my head. In fact, have watched and rewatched the trailer dozens of times. Perfectly ironic that it faded into oblivion, all except for those who really appreciate finer film.

[@t-boog2173]

@@rickgerrard8922 Cheers Rick. Yeah this film is beautiful all around... the acting, writing, music, cinematography, etc. There's no weak spot. It hits on all cylinders.

[@SolRyuKen]

Wow, I literally saw this movie yesterday. Perfect timing.

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Perfect indeed!

[@somethingcreative7027]

This was one of the greatest movie surprises I've ever had, I wasn't expecting this to be an all time movie when I turned it on but it completely blew me away from the first shot

[@katw.6519]

And we can't forget the absolutely amazing score that accompanied the film by Nick Cave. Everything about it is haunting, ethereal, and tragic. It goes along perfectly with every nuance of the story told, and most importantly effects, and most importantly affects how you feel and perceive what you are watching. It wraps everything together to make the film as complete as it can ever be.

[@mrsmith1349]

Agree. Felt the same watching Lawless. Nick Cave and Warren Ellis wrote the score for both. Nick Cave wrote the script for Lawless as well.

[@freegadflyathome]

Just watched this for the second time and it's even better the first. This is a perfect movie.

[@demmefrazier6629]

This one is close to my heart, I watch it alone most of the time, it brings me somewhere hard to describe, I shared it with my brother and he enjoyed it also.

[@davidallenroth2905]

Same here. This movie got ahold of my soul and never left.

[@_cesarjoseph]

Watching this movie was like entering a different dimension

[@hokimoki3677]

What else did u share with him ?

[@lehighcountylwv5278]

I rented the film years ago and was glad I did. In addition to all of the comments below and above, I want to add that it made me appreciate the Mid-west, the great landscapes, thanks to the careful cinematography.

[@dennis8309]

It was filmed in Alberta...

[@Abesfa2000]

Thanks!!! Finally someone talking about my favorite story.

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Of course, glad I could!

[@micahlee4625]

Great analysis! I just discovered this movie this summer and fell in love with it (and Deakins' work). I was disappointed to find that there weren't that many video analyses on this movie, so I'm glad you decided to do one. I never connected the sort of meta element between Casey Affleck being overshadowed (at the time) and Robert Ford.

[@ChronicIndifference]

One of my favourites, it's a masterpiece! Very underrated, though. Thanks for talking about it.

[@seaque.]

That's an amazing review and i love when character's and actor's stories are matched up like you mentioned Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck. In Birdman: Or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorence same thing can be said about Michael Keaton and also in Irishman about De Niro and Joe Pesci.

[@movieace1295]

"You Either Die A Hero, Or You Live Long Enough To See Yourself Become The Villain"

[@1330percy]

Underrated, beautiful film. The last quarter of the film was heart breaking in a way.

[@HadesWTF]

This analysis was one of the best. Great movie that a lot of people haven't seen.

[@TwoCentsMedia]

This is honestly one of my favorite movies and I'm glad to see someone talk about it so extensively.

[@Zentagon]

Very amazing video and breakdown on Ford and his perception of James! Good work

[@HopDances]

Great video as always Jack. One of my favorite films.

[@nateds7326]

I’m praying for a criterion release, it’s one of my favorites and INMO one of the best films ever made.

[@mrsoprano3848]

Me too

[@BeardVsTheWorldUK1]

Wow! I have to see this movie quick! Spectacular video. As you said, cinematography, cast, casting, director-all very special. Thanks for this!

[@Jay_R_S]

So glad to see that I’m not the only one who thinks movie is an underrated masterpiece.

[@redriver6541]

Great video. This is one of my top ten all time favorite movies. It entranced me from start to finish.

[@LeviDaManJabroni]

i was blown away by your analysis, you deserve more subs and views man

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed!

[@WenisGuchman]

Great video. This is one of my most favorite movies of all time.

[@LizzyTexBorden]

Really interesting. I love this movie. It's in my top ten. I get something new out of it each time I watch it. Even the narration is poetry. Can't take my eyes off of the characters. Casey's Bob Ford is is great.

[@skingolem4456]

I agree with the fact that this is a masterpiece. I've watched it several times. But its curious that the little inaccuracies are never addressed. Jesse used a Schofield .45 almost exclusively, and gifted Ford a Colt 45 Peacemaker. However, in the movie, the opposite is displayed. Ford used the same Colt to kill Jesse. Minor things, but I wonder if they were done purposely, for whatever reason.

[@Closedposterity]

This is a great analysis of the movie, I remember when you asked for recomendations I suggested the works of Andrew Dominik and specifically this film. When you responded you said your favourite film by Dominik was Killing Them Softly and now you say that this is his masterpiece which is something I definitely agree with. I can see through the video why your mind has changed and I agree with your arguments. After the passing of Sam Shepard I watched the film for the nth time and I began to feel a particular melancholy and I think that the relationship between his character Frank James and Jesse James is very important for how we understand the family dynamics of the film as he treats both Jesse and Robert with the same ire, as I sit to type this comment so many thoughts and feelings about this film pour out that it becomes impossible for me to condense them into this comment. So I say keep up the good work and I look forward to your future videos.

[@JacksMovieReviews]

I hate being contradictory in videos/comments. I think AOJJ is a better movie, but I prefer Killing them Softly. Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@Closedposterity]

I didn't mean to put words in your mouth,. It's always an interesting dichotomy when one feels a particular movie is better than another but prefers the film they feel to be inferior however slight it may be.

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Exactly, both pretty great, objectively AOJJ might be a bit better, but I really like Killing Them Softly!

[@kalka1646]

Matthew HH Robbins w

[@travisspazz1624]

Best movie of the century imo!!

[@afroceltduck]

I haven't seen as many movies as most other people, but this one might be my favorite. It stands out in my mind as a great film, and I keep coming back to it and recommending it to others. This was a great analysis of Bob, and one could do the same for many of the other major characters. Also, how great is Sam Rockwell? I absolutely love his performance as Charlie.

[@netherrack6619]

I just saw Rashomon yesterday for the first time and thought it would be nice if you could do a video on it in future. Keep up the good work.

[@BertieBrosnan]

Excellent analysis. It is a masterpiece. Love this director.

[@davidmatteson9980]

perfect movie period

[@pjschroeder76]

One of my favorites.

[@Turk_2023]

I forgot about this movie...I have ot seen it since `08...I should watch it because i do not remember much about it other than knowing i liked it....How the hell is this not on FX or AMC occasionally?

[@PatrickMetzdorf]

A nice rundown of a fantastic movie! What I would have liked to hear more about, though, was Jesse's depiction, even though the movie wasn't really about him. I found it fascinating how Jesse seemed to read Bob and distrusted him and more and more, while at the same time turning his back to him purposefully (first figuratively, then literally), tempting Bob to act against him. That dynamic, which I don't know if it historically accurate at all, is not often talked about, but certainly deserves to be.

[@JohnPomaJr]

Such an underrated flick. Great analysis and breakdown.

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

Love that snowbird stut my man

[@RonaldReaganRocks1]

This movie is brilliant. Especially the cinematography. Great analysis. Tell people to see this film!

[@timtoner1411]

Love this film & love the novel it is based on. Everything comes together in a realistic manner. The actors, the look of the film, the direction & the superb narration all paint a true setting of the way things were in the time of the James. Probably the most realistic western ever filmed. It has that feel of going back in time & experiencing life as it actually was.

[@Termiduck]

Amazing review for an amazing film

[@bluesilkdesigns]

I love your videos so much that when I saw this title I had to watch the movie for the first time so I could watch it

[@nickparadies350]

If this doesn’t get a Criterion release one day I’m giving up on the world.

[@ruly8153]

I like how the camera is always looking at Jesse James from a distance.

[@scottpatonlevin2686]

One of my favorites of all time

[@user-dq6pm6sg8z]

6:01 Great video, the fact that you explained the three points as to why Robert kills Jesse makes. Sense. 7:13 casting Casey was perfect...

[@WildwoodClaire1]

Besides being a great and underrated film, it is also the most faithful adaptation of a novel I have ever seen.

[@Trav_Can]

Great analysis on a great movie. Well done.

[@eddiealfaro111]

really like your videos! you are very good at film analysis.

[@AnalRampage]

U have a review of all of my favs Thanks dude

[@100nation8]

Gr8 minds think alike....I luv that movie. From the narrator to the visionary genius to almost every aspect of the film. It provokes a range of emotions and offers a historical look into one man's decent (Robert Ford ) but when Jesse James noticed Robert Ford pull the pistol from behind. That was a intelligent scene. It made sense because of his extreme depression, it showed that Jesse wanted to die and end his mental suffering. The directors was very insightful to allow that into the movie. Robert Ford may be know as a coward but historically Jesse probably killed dozens of unarmed men during his crimes.

[@cja90]

This film has probably the best example of narration that I've ever seen, just an outstanding film. Great video.

[@tomboz777]

I think my self-prediction upon seeing this 3 years ago (that this'll be come a future unappreciated masterpiece), is slowly, but surely coming true.

[@PauLtus_B]

Bunny in the Box Let's hope so. It's pretty much bad luck this is as badly known as it is. I do think it got buried between the other two great sort-of-western movies that year (no country for old men and there will be blood) but it might just be the best of the three.

[@jgmeng88]

This was awesome. I asked you if you could do this movie a few months back and you did!

[@calendarpage]

I came across this movie when flipping channels one night; the last scenes just before Ford's own assassination were playing. I had never seen anything like this (and I'm a baby boomer who has seen many, many movies). I couldn't wait for it to be repeated so I could see the whole thing, reveling in the movie and the soundtrack. I bought both; I think it was the last DVD I've purchased. Too bad so few people have seen it, which is too bad. I find it to be an engrossing, thought-provoking, beautiful movie with one of the best soundtracks ever.

[@kaponei]

Great movie

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Definitely one of my favorite!

[@chaunceypope5492]

This was one of those movies where I caught it in the middle after a nap. I was transfixed by the scene where he tries to sneak up on Jesse In the tub. The screen was hypnotic and at the end I knew that the Robert character was the type of man that is without an individual personality at the time I saw from this scene I figured he was bullied so that’s why he’s angry but the reason why he’s called a coward is. Men and some nowadays were encouraged to be genuine and not fake or adopting another personality. Fanning meant you did not express your self your true self. It’s like the idea of wearing a mask of your favorite basketball player. In crime this is much more pronounced and since the rise of undercover police actions. Being genuine is even more important. So Bobby was a coward for not showing his true self under the pressure of bullying. For this he would not let go and he became violent. I ended up watching the movie many times.

[@leonthesleepy]

Man i love this movie!

[@JacksMovieReviews]

That makes two of us!

[@dennis8309]

Great review of an absolute masterpiece. Having said that I ask for any thoughts regarding the symbolism of the empty shoes in three different scenes?

[@tonywords6713]

same!

[@troypattillo8316]

A visual, casting, music, and acting masterpiece. Doubtful it will ever be topped by another western.

[@bornjusticerule5764]

please do Cloud Atlas by the Wachowski Brothers. it features Halle Berry, Tom Hanks and Hugo Weaving among many other great performers. it is one of the best movies ever made.

[@istvantoth7431]

Agree 100% with everything said in this review! Well done.

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Thanks Toth!

[@jameswilliams3204]

sad sad movie. One trying to become a legend, and one trying to live with legend.

[@tomdadada]

..and with only 1440 thumbs up an underrated review as well

[@bornjusticerule5764]

Great break down

[@persieprince9345]

Masterpiece in every aspect beautiful cinematography music score acting directing

[@Beatypatrockks]

really enjoyed this. please do one on troy. the theme is pretty similar.

[@sethhauck1283]

I’d love to see the 4 hr version of this they talked about.

[@wolfthornnholtzklau4913]

Brilliant film.

[@Dolencd]

I've watched this movie just last night. And it will stay with me forever. Maybe because I'm watching at cinematographer Roger Deakins like Robert Ford does at Jesse James. Hehehe Or maybe because it's such an amazing film! One I'd love to watch again. A film where things are done because they need to be, not to make them look cool. Some might say Brad Pitt didn't do Jesse justice in this one. But this is not a film about his life and his charisma and his legend. It's a film about his decline and death. About his life after his legend has come to it's peak. Huge respect to Brad Pitt and Andrew Dominik. It's a film about Casey Affleck's character Robert Ford. Who's a little weasel. He wants respect and doesn't earn it, he wants to be admired as he admires Jesse James. Affleck did an amazing job here. Jesse James says he didn't feel relaxed around him, that he was just hard to be around to, and so it is. The film reeks of a bad feeling you get when Robert Ford comes on the screen. He's nervous, weird, not relaxed yet confident of his worthyness. Cinematography is just on another level here. It's not show-offy - look at my work, my cranes, steadicam shots --- It's just there. In all of it's glory. It doesn't shout because it doesn't need to. It's amazing smoothness at times, yet claustrophobic feeling right after that. It helps the story get to you and enhance it, yet it doesn't overpower it. This film to me is just amazing.

[@gilliamfan1705]

I can think of one tiny flaw, I thought the use of narration was a little excessive; there are a few scenes, particularly in the second act, where I think silence would have been more effective. Thus, I would not call it perfect, but 98% ain't bad.

[@jamesdavies542]

Just discover this movie due to Nick Cave, as a lover of American history this is a must have movie 🎥

[@nateds7326]

Yeah probably one of the greatest films ever made. And no ones heard of it.

[@voltaire6668]

Cinematic masterpiece.

[@mathieudodier9376]

Great video as always! I didn't like the film that much the first time I saw it, but I think it was because I didn't know what I was going into. This is a very psychological film, exploring Ford's character and how he gets to kill the man he once saw as his hero, and it did a really good job doing just that. But I guess I expected more shootouts and badass moments like in a traditionnal western, and it left me a bit disapointed. All this to say you made me want to watch it again. Good job!

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Thank you! It's definitely a movie that subverts a lot of what you would expect in a Western-but it does it perfectly!

[@wtfisditvoorbullshit]

This film is a masterpiece, very underrated

[@846nick]

just watched the movie after i heard some of red dead redemption 2 scenes were inspired off it. great movie, loved the cinematography in it, good story and good acting

[@marquittabryant4632]

Masterpiece indeed.

[@user-dq6pm6sg8z]

Wow, uploading this on the 10 year anniversary, to the DAY

[@spikeep6141]

It's an *ENORMOUS* influence on The Last Jedi - this, and Lawrence of Arabia. When Luke retires, lamenting "I Can't Be What She Needs Me to Be", he is acknowledging his shortcomings as a man in living up to The Legend. The Apotheosis of Luke Skywalker is when he is able to be, simultaneously, The Legend AND The Man, and in so-doing becomes a Mythic Hero.

[@TheBushBeeMan]

Great video and amazing movie!

[@shibaramroy2222]

great analysis my friend...love from india..

[@pauljay2305]

Seriously underrated

[@RedBananas]

A genius of a movie

[@gasjet2000]

Roger Deakins, photographer of Blood Simple, Shawshank Redemption, Fargo, True Grit, No Country for Old Men, Assassination of Jesse James, Sicario. He is the magic in a lot of of the neo westerns of the modern era. He is a huge influence on how Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul look, as well as the Fargo tv show.

[@labguru7628]

also Blade Runner 2049

[@Johnnysmithy24]

Wait seriously? I didn’t know BB and BCS were influenced by Deakins. My favorite shows

[@wesleym9070]

Best movie of the last 50 years

[@TheWhatupfoe]

I love the soundtrack on this movie

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

It's still in my top 5 for "Westerns" even though it's not really a Western. IMHO, Casey is a *WAY* better actor than bald ben.

[@mrsoprano3848]

Damn, "Bald Ben" 😆😆😆😆😆

[@mrsoprano3848]

I agree tho Casey is a way better actor

[@agoogle6454]

Out of curiosity. What did you think of this losing best cinematography to there will be blood? As much as I love elswits work I personally find this to be the best cinematography ever!!! Amazing film

[@DU0ZA]

Great film great music

[@thatsyouropinion9434]

I really felt exactly the same & its been hard to find people with the same opinion. But the scene where Brad Pitt puts the knife to Casey Afflecks neck and hold him there is 👌🏼 & that train scene cinematography wise 👌🏼👌🏼 just an amazing film but my favorite performance of Brads also.

[@ThomasF95DUS]

The scene at 3:22 was wrongly translated into German. The subtitles say "You can't figure it out. You won't be like me, and you won't be me." whereas in the Original it's "Can't figure it out, do you want to be like me, or do you want to be me".