If you're looking for a movie to watch this weekend allow me to recommend The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. This movie was not widely released and didn't get much press, but it's one of my favorites. If your kind of movies are action-packed, funny, and thrilling this might not be for you. But in my opinion its slow, methodical pace and character development are what make this movie great.This is most definitely a stereotypical art-house picture. The cinematography is beautiful. The music is some of the best I've heard in a movie (from Nick Cave). And the acting is stellar. Brad Pitt does a fantastic job as the charming but cut-throat Jesse James. But the real prize here is the supporting cast. You'd be surprised at the number of great actors for whom this was one of their earliest big roles - Jeremy Renner, Sam Rockwell, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Schneider, and Mary-Louise Parker. However the big star of this movie is Casey Affleck (Ben's little brother) who plays Robert Ford, the man who killed Jesse James. It's no stretch by any means to say this is one of the greatest acting performances of all time. I'm not even joking. Watch the nuanced way he plays the awkward and confused character and you will see what I mean. He was robbed of the 2007 Best Supporting Oscar award. Not only was it the best of that year but was probably one of the top 5 in the category all time.
If you like well-done movies about intricate and complex characters you will love this film. If acting, cinematography, music, or dialogue is up your alley then this movie will be too. If you're looking for Tombstone or an Independence Day type movie, you might not like it.
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