The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) is a western drama based on a 1983 novel by Ron Hansen. Andrew Dominik wrote the script and directed the film.
The story follows the members of the James Gang and chronicles the last few months of Jesse James’ (Brad Pitt) life, from the moment he meets Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), who has grown up idolizing him and wants to join his group of outlaws to prove himself, to the day Ford shoots him in April 1882, and finally to Ford’s reenacting the moment on stage until he himself is shot dead a decade later.
The film centers on Jesse James, who lives as a wanted man at this point, and shows the deteriorating relations between the members of the James Gang in the early 1880s; the James brothers’ last train robbery, Frank retiring, Robert Ford joining the group and developing a complex relationship with Jesse, Jesse becoming increasingly paranoid and erratic, trying to hunt down and kill a former gang member, and eventually the Ford brothers deciding to kill him and collect the bounty.
SYNOPSIS:
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford delves into the private life and public exploits of America’s most notorious outlaw. As the charismatic and unpredictable Jesse James (Brad Pitt) plans his next great robbery, he wages war on his enemies, who are trying to collect the reward money – and the glory – riding on his capture. But the greatest threat to his life may ultimately come from those he trusts the most.
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CAST: Brad Pitt (Jesse James), Casey Affleck (Robert Ford), Sam Rockwell (Charley Ford), Mary-Louise Parker ( Zee James), Sam Shepard (Frank James), Paul Schneider (Dick Liddil), Garret Dillahunt (Ed Miller), Jeremy Renner (Wood Hite).
THE JAMES GANG: B – Garret Dillahunt (Ed Miller), Paul Schneider (Dick Liddil), Jeremy Renner (Wood Hite), Sam Rockwell (Charley Ford), Casey Affleck (Robert Ford); F – Brad Pitt (Jesse James), Sam Shepard (Frank James) – The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007), dir. Andrew Dominik
The Assassination of Jesse James was filmed on locations in Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg. It was originally slated for a September 2006 release, but got pushed back and eventually got a limited release in September 2007. The film received two Oscar nods – Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins), Best Supporting Actor (Casey Affleck) – and the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures listed it as one of the top 10 movies of 2007.
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD – IMAGE GALLERY
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD – VIDEOS
TRAILER:
OFFICIAL SITE: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
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