Robert’s character is quite an interesting one; rather than being a coward, as the youngest member of the James gang, he is butt of all the jokes and never taken seriously. It is this insecurity and desire to prove himself that drives him to murder Jesse. This is despite the fact that he worships Jesse. For years Robert has collected comics of the adventures of Jesse, and at one point Jesse says to him that he doesn’t know if he wants to be just like him or to be him. There is never any mention of the fact that he could be gay, but the way he constantly glances at Jesse certainly raises that possibility. Actually Robert is no less cowardly than Jesse himself, as during his descent into paranoia Jesse takes an ex gang member “for a ride” and shoots him in the back!
The movie is beautiful, really stunning. Andrew Dominik’s direction is sweeping, yet simple; and the cinematography by Roger Deakins is as amazing as usual and gives the film an epic feel. The pace is slow, but perfect for the film, and a shorter run-time would make everything feel very rushed. Complementing the bleak, melancholic feel the film has is the beautifully haunting, lugubrious soundtrack composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, who bring an incredible atmosphere to the film. These are the guys who composed the soundtrack to The Road, so you can imagine the ambience, but the AJJ soundtrack is easier to listen to. For those with Spotify: Jesse James
A really interesting film, with amazing scenery, great cast, beautiful music and tremendous atmosphere.
It's been a while since I saw this film but I do remember not exactly liking it. Well, I thought it was a beautifully put together film with Casey Affleck really standing out. But I found the pacing too slow and deliberate. I was just waiting for the inevitable and wasn't all that invested in what happened before the titular assassination.
ReplyDeleteThat frustration definitely tainted my view of the film!
Definitely not for everyone, the pacing is very slow, but I felt that it was right for the story. I liked the way that the tension built as Jesse fell apart; you never quite knew what he was capable of. Shame that it tainted your view, but I can see why.
DeleteI'm glad you mentioned the atmosphere. It was that and the cinematography that really stood out for me.
DeleteMusic and cinematography are definitely the highlights. I listened to the soundtrack for months after I first saw this, and was constantly haunted by it. When I first listened to "Song for Bob" I actually got quite choked up! Very powerful music.
DeleteI don't really remember the soundtrack but I'll check it out on Spotify.
DeleteWorth it.
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