Bad Company
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Review by Ross Anthony

High quality production. The dialogue in this film sings with poetry, grit, spit, and the ring of rural America circa 1880's. You'll be listening to every word for the fire and loaded humor. The acting is also top notch. And though starved of vibrant colors to give the image a stark look, the cinematography is aggressive and beautiful. No less wonderful, the direction swells as well. If there are any flaws they fall at two points in the telling of this ever so interesting angle on an infamous American icon.

The first buckle in an otherwise compelling story occurs when Robert Ford begins to make deals with the law, this turn in his character is a major jump. Until then and even after, the twisted disquieting elements of his nature are portrayed without rush. I suspect quite a chunk of relevant film was cut out for time. Secondly, after the climax, the film indulges a bit too long in a resolution that should have been edited wiser. At the very least, Charley's fate could have been left to a white on black caption.

This cowboy film will impress its audiences with its portrayal of the emotions and psyche of these men. Casey Affleck nails the role. Be forewarned, this is not an action picture, it's long and the pace is Missouri relaxed.

-- Book Contest --


  • The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Copyright © 2007.
  • Starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Paul Schneider, Jeremy Reener, Zooey Deschanel, Sam Rockwell, Michael Parks, Ted Levine, James Carville.
  • Written and Directed by Andrew Dominik.
  • Based on the novel by: Ron Hansen.
  • Producers: Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Ridley Scott, Jules Daly, David Valdes at Warner Bros/Virtual/Plan B.

Grade..........................A- (3/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Thursday, 20-Sep-2007 20:51:17 PDT