The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Writer/director Andrew Dominik’s long, meandering screenplay adapted from Ron Hansen’s novel will put viewers to sleep well before the titular event happens. However, on a good note, Casey Affleck’s eerie portrayal of the fidgety coward easily outshines Brad Pitt’s notorious gun-slinging Jesse James. The young Affleck admirably treads a fine line between being a lovelorn hero-worshipper and a sociopathic tag-along fed up with his perpetual sidekick status. Also worth noting is Roger Deakins’ stunning cinematography featuring a moody atmosphere and storybook skies. Although some elements are remarkable, overall this film is far too long and slow even for the incredibly patient.