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The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford

Where: Vue Cinema (Angel) When: 3^rd December 2007 Event: Film

‘The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford’ tells the story of Jesse’s death by Robert Ford. It delves into the relationship between the two characters and the criminal activities are left by the wayside, making this illustration of the story an unusual one.

The highly opinionated title of this film sets the viewer instantly in the frame of mind to support Jesse James. Despite his notorious reputation he has been held as a figurehead and is well known and respected. It is this view that the film on first glance appears to take.Opening with a narration that goes on to punctuate the film gives it a powerful start. A deep male voice with a gruff edge and hint of emotion immediately sets the tone. Not only the precise words used but this choice in narrator sides with Jesse, it sounds almost as if one of the Jesse Gang is telling the tale. Despite this clear direction in which the audience is pointed (and willingly follows) the closings scenes take a sudden turn. Robert Ford is transformed from a confused, impressionable boy into a man with feelings and great remorse. The narrator comes back in force taking sole responsibility over the story and giving a thoroughly different spin on the murder. From pitying Jesse and resenting Ford we are turned in minutes to see the other side of the coin.

However, other than this unexpected change of direction to finish the film, the rest of it tends to elaborate on unnecessary parts of the story, like the sexual antics of one of the members of Jesse’s Gang. The constant addition of excessive detail and side stories dragged the compelling depiction of Ford and Jesse’s relationship down. Increasing the amount of time spent on such aspects of the narrative meant the ending was rushed. This resulted in an important part of the story (Robert Ford’s death) being poorly explained and a slight shock at the amount of detail suddenly dropping. The confusingly large number of characters further highlighted these irrelevant elaborations. The inclusion of all of these hindered the overall effect as our attention was diverted by trying to work out whom had just shot whom!

These moments of confusion were not constant however, there were also times of perfect clarity generally created by the lack of dialogue and well thought out imagery. Although supporting a haunting soundtrack, for me it was the intensified use of natural sound that helps give it that dramatic edge. The pairing of dark, moody close ups, like the shot of a train wheel with sparks flying of it paired with the clean, piercing screech of the train grinding to a halt. Such moments of clarity and incredible combinations keep the audience hooked.

Overall I feel the acting was impressive, especially from Casey Afflick (Robert Ford) who created a highly believable charter, who, whilst being easy to sympathise with also supported great subtleties and diversity in the characters personality. Each member of the cast filled their roles with great naturalism helping this film entertain and touch the audience. Although it is a little long at 160 minutes the unusual angle and interesting quirks make this film a moving and entertained experience.

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