Directed by Andrew Dominik ("Chopper") and based on a novel by Ron Hansen, "Assassination" follows Robert "Bob" Ford (Casey Affleck), an awkward young man with aspirations to join the infamous gang led by his idol, Jesse James (Brad Pitt).
As Jesse's older brother and robbery partner Frank (Sam Shepherd) decides to retire from the game, young men move up the ladder as the outlaw's new recruits. They include Bob, Bob's brother Charley (Sam Rockwell), Jesse's cousin Wood Hite (Jeremy Renner), and Dick Liddil (Paul Schneider).
Viewers looking for the next great revival Western should not set themselves up for disappointment. "Assassination" is a Western in description – train robberies, shoot outs, the late 1800s – but it is a contemplative, character-driven period drama above all else.
Plot takes a backseat to revelations of the characters' psyche, focusing on the dynamic between Jesse and Bob as well as their personal demons. As Jesse, Pitt is alternately intimidating and charming, giving one of his most mature performances. He impressively exposes Jesse's emotional deterioration, with paranoia (much of it rightly perceived) and the exasperation of being hunted taking a toll on him.
Although Pitt won the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival (for which he was worthy, and not deserving of the decision's reported booing), it is Casey Affleck's performance that steals the show. As Bob Ford, Affleck is sympathetic and creepy, having lovingly obsessed over the newspaper tales and personal facts of Jesse James since he was a child. Affleck's performance recalls Matt Damon's strong work in "The Talented Mr. Ripley," as characters walking a fine line between wanting to befriend and wanting to be.
However, while Damon's Ripley could feign confidence and social grace, Affleck's Bob Ford never pulls off such a feat. Frequently pushed around and overlooked, Bob desperately desires to matter. As he grows resentful of Jesse, his attachment drifts into betrayal, a complex transition that Affleck handles with ease.
In supporting roles, Rockwell, Renner, and Schneider all shine, particularly Rockwell, who utilizes his usual mischievous humor but is believably emotional during his interactions with Jesse.
The third star of the film is truly the cinematography by Roger Deakins.
"Assassination" is beautifully photographed, brimming with epic, Terrence Malick-esque shots of Missouri field and sky, billowing train smoke, intimate interiors, and icy winters, accompanied by a haunting score from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. A dreamy, blurred edge look is added to several scenes, emphasizing the nostalgic larger-than-life status of Jesse James (an interesting juxtaposition considering that Pitt humanizes the American legend). The narration (done by Hugh Ross) was lifted from pages of Hansen's novel, and completes the story-telling effect felt in much of the film.
If ever there was an art-house Western, this film would be it. "Assassination" has the potential to dissatisfy due to its failure to easily fit into a genre, but hopefully movie-goers will give themselves the opportunity to see two actors at their best in a gorgeous film.
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