MIT Lecture Series Committee

Rated R
160 minutes

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Brad Pitt stars as legendary Wild West outlaw Jesse James in Chopper director Andrew Dominik's cinematic rendering of the events that would eventually bring about the death of the man rumored be the "fastest gun in the West." An eager recruit into James' notorious gang, Robert Ford eventually grows jealous of the famed outlaw. When Robert and his brother Charlie sense an opportunity to kill James, their murderous action elevates their target to near mythical status. Casey Affleck stars as Robert Ford and Sam Shepard co-stars as Frank James -- Jesse's devoted sibling and partner in crime. [www.allmovie.com]

A tremendously stylish, intelligent retelling of western myth.
      -- Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian. Read this review.

2007 Academy Award Nominations: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Casey Affleck), Best Cinematography