The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Seen it?2007 | 160 min | Drama, Western
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (76% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Bonnie and Clyde or The Harder They Fall, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- It's long: 2 hr 40 min.
Outlaw Jesse James is rumored to be the 'fastest gun in the West'. An eager recruit into James' notorious gang, Robert Ford eventually grows jealous of the famed outlaw and, when Robert and his brother sense an opportunity to kill James, their murderous action elevates their target to near mythical status.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
76% on Rotten Tomatoes, 68 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 2 Venice awards: Venice Film Festival: Volpi Cup for Best Actor, Venice Film Festival: Best Western Drama. Also nominated for 3 Oscars, 1 Golden Globe and 1 SAG Award. Plus 15 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$15 million worldwide on a $30 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 363K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Andrew Dominik
- Brad PittJesse James
- Casey AffleckRobert Ford
- Sam RockwellCharley Ford
- Paul SchneiderDick Liddil
- Jeremy RennerWood Hite
- Garret DillahuntEd Miller
- Sam ShepardFrank James
- Mary-Louise ParkerZee James
- Zooey DeschanelDorothy Evans
- Ted LevineSheriff Timberlake