The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fanboy shoots his idol in the back, then regrets it when he realizes being famous for being a coward isn’t as fun as he thought.

🍿 The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction and the Blue Cut Robbery

The film opens in 1881, with Robert Ford, an admirer of Jesse James, seeking to join his gang. The James gang, including Jesse’s brother Frank, plans a train robbery near Blue Cut, Missouri. This robbery proves less lucrative than anticipated, marking a turning point for the gang.

Robert Ford’s Obsession and Integration

Jesse brings Robert and his brother Charley into his inner circle, leading to a period where Robert’s infatuation with Jesse intensifies. However, Jesse’s paranoia and unpredictable behavior create tension within the group. Robert becomes increasingly aware of Jesse’s dark side, witnessing his brutality and mistrust.

Betrayal and Conspiracy

As the gang’s activities wind down, various members plot against each other. Dick Liddil reveals a plan to capture Jesse for a bounty. Jesse, growing more suspicious, retaliates against those he perceives as threats, including a violent encounter with a relative of the Fords. This creates an environment of fear and mistrust, setting the stage for the ultimate betrayal.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jesse James (Brad Pitt): The famed outlaw, grappling with paranoia and his fading legend, unknowingly befriends his eventual assassin.
• Robert Ford (Casey Affleck): A young, insecure admirer of Jesse James whose hero-worship devolves into resentment and a desperate pursuit of notoriety.
• Frank James (Sam Shepard): Jesse’s older brother and fellow outlaw who becomes disillusioned with their life of crime.
• Charley Ford (Sam Rockwell): Robert’s older brother and member of Jesse’s gang, torn between loyalty to his brother and his admiration for Jesse.
• Zee James (Mary-Louise Parker): Jesse James’ wife, burdened by the constant fear and instability of his outlaw life.
• Wood Hite (Jeremy Renner): Jesse James’ cousin and member of the gang who is killed by Robert Ford.
• Dick Liddil (Paul Schneider): An outlaw womanizer and member of the James gang who plots against Jesse.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jesse James: “I look at my red hands and my mean face… and I wonder ’bout that man that’s gone so wrong.” – Reflecting on his own actions and the person he has become, expressing a sense of disconnection.
• Jesse James: “Once you’ve looked over the other side, you’ll never want to go back into your body.” – Expressing a desire for death or escape from his current existence.
• Narrator: “The shotgun would ignite, and Ella Mae would scream, but Robert Ford would only lay on the floor and look at the ceiling, the light going out of his eyes before he could find the right words.” – Describing Robert Ford’s death, highlighting his lack of recognition and legacy.
• Narrator: “There would be no eulogies for Bob, no photographs of his body would be sold in sundries stores, no people would crowd the streets in the rain to see his funeral cortege, no biographies would be written about him, no children named after him, no one would ever pay twenty-five cents to stand in the rooms he grew up in.” – Detailing Robert Ford’s lack of legacy and the stark contrast with the fame of Jesse James.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,909,149
• Worldwide Gross: $15,003,764

💥 The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Reviews

Personal Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this movie, especially with that super-long title! But wow, it really got to me. The way it looked and felt was so different from other Westerns. Brad Pitt was amazing; he made Jesse James both scary and kinda sad. And Casey Affleck? He totally nailed the creepy fanboy vibe. I really felt for him, even though he did a terrible thing. The train robbery scene was one of the best I’ve ever seen. I was thinking about this movie for days after. If you are okay with a slower movie pace, I highly recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Westerns with a focus on character and atmosphere.”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas and character studies.”
  • “Those who appreciate slow-paced, visually stunning films.”
  • “Admirers of Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck’s acting performances.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence, including gun violence and some graphic scenes.”
  • “Brief language and thematic elements involving betrayal and paranoia.”
  • “May be too slow-paced for viewers seeking action-oriented Westerns.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Dominik crafts a beautifully melancholic elegy to the fading days of the Wild West, elevated by Deakins’ breathtaking cinematography and the nuanced performances of Pitt and Affleck. More a character study than a traditional Western, it lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A deliberate and haunting film that explores the complexities of fame and betrayal. Pitt delivers one of his finest performances as a conflicted Jesse James, while Affleck captures the pathetic and unsettling nature of Robert Ford. A visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
• Rolling Stone: “A uniquely poetic and introspective Western that challenges genre conventions. The film’s slow pace and focus on character psychology may not appeal to all, but those who appreciate its artistic ambitions will find it a rewarding and unforgettable experience. Pitt is captivating, and Affleck is brilliant.

Audience Reactions

Casey Affleck’s incredible performance makes you hate Robert Ford but also understand him.: The acting, especially by Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, is universally praised, with many considering it career-defining work.

The cinematography creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that perfectly captures the mood of the era.: The film’s stunning visual style and Roger Deakins’ cinematography are frequently cited as highlights.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and thought-provoking Western with exceptional performances, though its slow pace may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

1. Venice Film Festival (Volpi Cup for Best Actor)- 2007

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Cinematographer Roger Deakins has called the arrival of the train in darkness as one of the high points of his career.”
• “Director Andrew Dominik originally wrote a cut of the film that was nearly 4 hours long, which the studio forced him to trim down.”
• “The film does not feature opening titles or credits; the film title is displayed after the final fadeout.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford?

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is available to rent or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming options or digital purchase availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, you might like these similar films:

• McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971): Atmospheric, revisionist Western exploring the harsh realities of frontier life with a focus on character and mood.
• Unforgiven (1992): A dark, character-driven Western that deconstructs the mythology of the Old West and explores the consequences of violence.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Shares a similar slow-burn pacing, character study, and exploration of ambition and obsession in a historical setting.
• The Proposition (2005): A brutal and morally complex Western set in Australia that deals with themes of family, loyalty, and the dark side of humanity.

🛒 The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Related Products

• The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford [Blu-ray]: Experience this epic Western in stunning high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes featurettes and commentary.
• The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Audio CD]: Immerse yourself in the film’s haunting atmosphere with Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’s evocative score.
• Jesse James: Last Rebel of the Civil War: A detailed biography of Jesse James, exploring his life, motivations, and the events leading to his assassination. Perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of the historical context.
• Old West Outlaw Wanted Poster – Jesse James: A high-quality replica of a vintage wanted poster for Jesse James. Perfect for adding a touch of Western history to your home decor.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rather Lovely Thing” – performed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis
• “The Ballad of Jesse James” – performed by Nick Cave
• “Song for Bob” – performed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Brad Pitt & Sting – Fragile

Hey movie buff! Check out this captivating montage that blends scenes from ‘Legends of the Fall’ to ‘Ad Astra’, showcasing Brad Pitt’s versatility with a touch of Sting’s ‘Fragile’ as the soundtrack.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DCaetOF61OM

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