Film Illiterate, wherein the proprietor records movies seen, and sporadic progress through assorted lists of the "best". Originally started after regretfully renting something forgettable for the third time. I've forgotten what, but never again! A tedious endeavour since 2005. Hello. 🙂
Dark, moody take on -- surprise! -- the assassination of the 19th century outlaw Jesse James (Brad Pitt) by his associate Robert Ford (Casey Affleck).
Of all the things to like about this film, my favourite is the title: a cumbersome, opinionated spoiler that sets the stage for the deconstruction to follow. The canonical story is that the coward Ford metaphorically stabs -- and literally shoots -- the noble Robin Hood figure James in the back. Andrew Dominik's take is compelling and nuanced, tracing a paranoid, enigmatic James and a Ford trapped by ambition, admiration and fear.
Roger Deakins' cinematography is stunning.