The descendants of Jesse James who keep his personal diaries have always said this movie is the most realistic depiction of Jesse James's life and personality.
this movie came out during my second week at university studying movies. you can imagine the buzz about it in class on monday morning. even the tutor had been to see it. i dont know what he was planning to teach that morning but it went out the window fos a 3 hour discussion about this film. its bloody good isnt it.
Finally someone reacting to this underrated gem! How it didn't win for best cinematography is the crime of the decade. Same thing goes for Nick Cave's hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, it didn't even receive a nom meh. Now do Cloud Atlas (another criminally underrated one)!
This movie is a perfect example of greatness that would virtually never win an online viewer popularity poll. But what it offers is so subtly rich that it would be a crime to miss. The photography presents a world that pulls you in, but it’s the deliberate pace, the attention to detail and period authenticity, and the elegant narration that brings it all together. And of course every performance was perfect. Jesse was complex in his own way, and many controversies and mysteries will likely never be answered. In many ways this film serves as a worthy headstone.
This is a wonderful RUclips edit of a great reaction. I watched the full Patreon version because I deeply love this film, but the RUclips version is as strong as such a format allows. The two of you are the strongest and best reactors / presenters in the business, and I say that after watching a huge number of others. You strike the perfect balance between comments and observation, and the closing summaries are always tops. Keep doing the beautiful work you do.
There’s a great line in breaking bad, that I didn’t understand until I saw this movie. “Just because you killed Jesse James, doesn’t mean you are Jesse James” - Mike says to Walt
The line is actually “Just because you killed Jesse James, don't make you Jesse James.” It’s an iconic line with Jesse James being the central figure of one of the wildest stories in history.
I was there, too! Wearing a t-shirt with a lithograph of the assassination, plus my vintage cowboy boots. It was a dream come true to see Deakins give a Q&A and then see my favorite movie of all time on 35mm film.
Finally somebodys reacting to this great film. It's probably one of the best Westerns & one of the most underrated. I saw this in highschool when it first came out. The cinematography alone is mesmerizing & superb with a stellar cast from the leads all the way to even it's minor characters. They all deliver top performances. This is perhaps the first depiction of Jesse James that doesn't portray him as a folk hero. It shows the dark malice all to the nitty gritty. He wasn't a good person he was what he was a criminal outlaw murderer. I've seen many Jesse James films & albeit some were fun. It wasn't authentic they all had him portrayed as some caricature of a Western Robin Hood. Pitts performance showed depth & humanity adding continuity. An to the show stealer Casey Affleck who plays Robert Ford so brilliantly. Every scene he's in made me cringe uncomfortably with his social awkwardness & unsettling persona. This film doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
Thank you both for reacting to this! This movie is the reason why I love movies -- with an amazing cast of actors, it's unmatched in its cinematography and deep/delicate/developing tension... depressingly powerful! I loved your commentary throughout.
This is one of my favourite movies. It honestly gets better each time I watch it. It's to the point now where i cant contain the tears at the end of the movie because its such a sadly tragic tale of these two men. I didnt like Robert Ford but I felt so much empathy for him and his struggles. Its a really beautiful story and gives a lot of care to all these characters.
If either Stanley Kubrick or Andrei Tarkovsky had ever decided to make a western, it undoubtedly would have resembled The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
A very astute description. There is a poetry to the cinematography, as if it was filmed by some long ago camera technique, and the manner of speaking in the dialogue seems as if it was possible from those times. Brad Pitt's Jesse is both terrifying, and sad, as he faces his fate. And Casey Affleck was on another level as this insecure wannabe who will do anything to not be unnoticed by the world.
Actually, it has more influences from Badlands (1973) stylistically and some of the musical score as well. Watch them back to back, you'll see what I mean. And the hands touching the grass recalls some of Malick's other movies as well.
Finally! I think that you are the first channel that I’ve personally seen, who have watched this movie. It’s such a great movie, I absolutely love the cinematography in it.
Roger Deakins should have won his first Oscar for this one. He made customized lenses. Those are not post processing affects for the establishing shots that have the blurred edges.
Probably should have won for Fargo, more than 10 years before this. Great DP work by him also in Kundun and No Country for Old Men (and Shawshank) that could have won Oscars prior to Jesse James.
finally=) I waited so long for someone to do the reaction) its one of my favourite movie, great reaction thanks=) There is another one of my favourite movie called "Ned Kelly" 2003 with Heath Ledger, for me its his best role.
I love all of Nick Cave & Warren Ellis's soundtrack work. From 'The Road', to 'West of Memphis', 'Loin Des Hommes', Cave's own film 'The Proposition', this film, etc. I only have one old cassette of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, but I collect anything from Cave & Ellis, preferably on vinyl if it's available.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...I was wondering why this movie reminded me so much of "The Proposition" ( another highly underrated movie) Get yersef some bad seeds Records my gentle person :)
Fun fact: Warren Ellis also writes comics, successful ones too. He wrote the series that they based RED & RED2 off of, those Bruce Willis retired CIA agent films.
This movie got overshadowed by There Will Be Blood and No Country for Old Men in 2007, but I think this would be my favorite out of the three. Casey Affleck was amazing.
Ok you guys NEED to watch the directors first film Chopper, incredible film. Eric Bana should have been nominated for it. Side note 2007 was one of the best years in cinema, this, There Will be Blood, No Country for Old Men and Zodiac just to name a few.
"Thats a nice little photo jimmy, a nice LITTLE photo" ye me and my friends have been quoting chopper for 20 years. its a must. i never put it together till now that chopper and jesse james have alot in common.
I'm so happy you're reacting to this wonderful historic film. (very accurate by the way) A friend of mine out here in Kansas made the holster and gun belt featured in close-up just prior to Jesse James' death. Thanks for your videos!
One of the best Revisionist Western/Post Modern Westerns made. Brilliant score. "A Song for Bob", which is the final music, is one of the best pieces of movie music ever made.
I'd seen Casey Affleck in comedic performances and supporting roles until I watched this movie. He blew me away. Jeremy Renner and Garrett Dillahunt and Sam Rockwell were amazing as well. This is one of my favorite performances by Brad Pitt. Great movie.
I'm glad that Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, and Brad Pitt all won Oscars eventually for other roles. They deserved them for this movie imo. Casey was the only one nominated and lost out to Javier Bardem. As iconic as Bardem was in No Country for Old Men, I think Casey's performance in this movie was infinitely more complex and demanding and brilliant.
I didnt "get" this 1st time I watched it, was expecting a Tombstone type western. Watched again a year later with a friend & it clicked then. Love it & have rewatched endlessly.
OMG, Thanks guys. This is such an underrated movie. Haunting AF...similar to "The Proposition" in a way Press play .... NOW Edit: as per usual you both kill it actually reviwing the movie. Thanks for the time you put into these videos and not simply reacting with zero outro Thanks again, until next time
The fact that this film was largely ignored when it came out is an absolute crime. I'll admit, when I first saw it, I wasn't in the right frame of mind so I didn't appreciate it at the time. Having re-watched it again relatively recently, it boggles my mind how this was not as well regarded as No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood, which were both released in the same year. Brad Pitt gives a career defining performance as Jesse James, and in fact I've heard him in interviews where he says how it's his favourite role of his career. The way he portrays James in my opinion is as a man who, despite having a massive cult of mythology built around him, is riddled with a sense of despair because he knows his time is coming to an end and he wants someone to put him out of his misery. This is why I love Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' soundtrack, particularly the chime melody song (I think it's called 'Song for Jesse' on the OST) because it's so simple yet it feels so melancholic which I think perfectly reflects the inner torment experienced by both James and Bob throughout the film. Also, it should go without saying, but Roger Deakins' cinematography in this film is a work of art, particularly the train robbery scene which in and of itself is a masterpiece.
I'm glad you do this whatever wheel, it's nice to see some movies that people usually don't react to. I watched this back when it came out and really liked it.
I had no idea you were reacting to this. What a good choice. 👍🏼 You two should consider watching “Legends of the Fall” and “Dances with Wolves” as well.
This film ĥas always been a character study for me ..not of Jesse James.. but of Bob.. his transformation from the first scene to the last is fascinating.. even how he twirled the gun after shooting.. the new way he dresses as the film progressed.. just fascinating stuff really..
Wow, great choice that you’re doing this particular film. Been waiting for this obscure masterpiece to get its due. It was highly overshadowed during the time of its release, but not without a legitimate reason cuz unfortunately, it was released on the same year as PTA’s There Will Be Blood and Coen Bros. No Country for Old Man. But also I think mainly bcs the director was still up and coming and obscure, and had only done one film in Australia up to this point.
Jesse was a tragic character in this portrayal, he was very depressed. And the way the movie turns your opinion of Robert Ford without you even realizing it near the end is pretty masterful. This was right after the civil war in Missouri, and although Missouri stayed in the Union, it was a southern state and half its population supported the southern cause. The fighting in the state was literally family against family and bloody. Jesse and Frank were both riders with guerrilla groups that raided into the north. Jesse and the James gang were thought of as heroes to the local populace because they were robbing northern banks and trains. the federal government troops were occupying these states at this time as well. Thats how the mythos of Jesse James being this "Robin Hood" type character grew so much. The movie isnt 100% accurate but it does a pretty good job.
@@DiggitySlice yeah and the Pinkertons Detective Agency as well, they surrounded the James family farm thinking Frank and Jesse were in there and thew flares into the home. One exploded killing their 8yo brother and maiming and blowing the arm off of their mother. After that there was very little people in the area willing to help the authorities capture the James gang. It was a wild time.
Do check out "The Long Riders," another take on the Jesse James story. An point of interest in that movie is that all the James Gang brothers are played by actors who are actual brothers.
Good for y’all for reacting to this film! Not many have done it and it’s a subtle visual masterpiece! Crazy good cast as well! Pitt, Affleck, Rockwell, etc.
No Way You guys watched this! OMG! This is my favourite movie and NOBODY watches this. I bought the book that this movie is based off and it arrived TODAY! I can’t wait to see this reaction.
Yesss I'm so glad this won the wheel spin! The exceptional craft of this film puts it in my top 5 for sure, with other finely crafted gems like Children of Men and Master & Commander. The cinematography is a highlight but the writing, acting, narration, music, and the atmosphere they all produce are just fantastic.
One of my favorite movies of all time right here. Casey Affleck and Brad Pitt's best performances imo, with incredible cinematography by Roger Deakins and music by Nick Cave.
One of the great movies from 2007 that was underrated at the time along with Zodiac. That year was the last gasp of top notch cinema in one single year. It's been slowly subsiding since then. Also, my favorite performance from Pitt. To me, it's his deepest one.
Hi Daniel & Samantha, personally I prefer the 1939 Western/Action Film (Jesse James) starring Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Randolph Scott & John Carradine . However, I`m glad you enjoyed this film.
The long title, plus it being a “slower” movie left a lot of people critiquing it upon release, but it was otherwise highly praised from folks who knew/didn’t mind it not being your traditional western.
OMFG THIS IS MY FAVORITE DRAMA, nobody reacts to this! especially these days the themes of self mythology are so specific and poignant. did you see Sunshine? you might have. it's the other masterpiece that year that was overshadowed by No Country and There Will Be Blood. ❤ the channel!
@@laffingist218 Sunshine was also an underrated film. Quite good, real sci-fi, meaning that it had idea. I wouldn't quite put it in the same league as the others or call it a masterpiece.
I interpreted the end of James as him being tired of that outlaw life. He knows there is no peace due to all the murders and they will hunt him until they get him. I love cinematography as well.
Brilliant movie. Another one if you liked this.. "The Proposition" the same people involved. Including the guy that played guitar at the end(Nick Cave) does the score in both films. It's a western too. Well worth a watch! 👌❤️
I'm not a Schmitt head you're a Schmitt head! And who is the Schmitt head who recommended this! Thanks a lot Schmitt head!! This is a movie I like to put on in the background or watch every couple of years. Have a great day you Schmitt heads!
Finally!) I watched this film for the first time back in 2007 in the cinema and this was the first role of Casey Affleck that I saw. This is the best kind of book storytelling that I have seen in cinema) I am so glad that you finally watched this movie. I always admired your reaction and interesting conversation after watching it. Your big fan))
@TBR Schmitt - 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford' is truly a unique Western. It has the Typical elements of a Classic Wester (Beautiful landscapes, the cowboys, Train Robbery,...), but it is SO MUCH MORE. It is as much as Western as it is a Psychological movie, exploring themes such as Mental Health (With elements of Depression, Guilt, remorse, Need of belonging through the eyes of somebody else in the case of Ford,...). It really offers a look at the 'Real Life' of pseudo hero or bandits, and what Reality looked like for them: fear of Death, betrayal, Paranoia,...And that is enhanced by the slow pace of the Camera, that really allows for the tension and Unease between characters to build up to a boiling point. As for the Death of Jesse, many interpretations can be valid as to how you choose to see it. Mine is that Jesse reached the end of his road emotionally and psychologically and could not bear any longer the weight of Depression and Paranoia, and chose to die looking at his source of happiness : his children.
Personally I look at Bob as someone who's been ignored when he wasn't being bullied his whole life. (I mean he is the youngest of five brothers and personality-wise he strikes me as the sort to be bullied as a child). When he was young he read about Jesse James who was portrayed in his dime novels as someone who stood up for the little guy. Robbing from Northern affiliated bankers and railroad-man and giving back to impoverished Southerners. (There's all sorts of folk stories about Jesse and the James-Younger gang staying with a widow being foreclosed on, giving her money from their latest robbery and then waiting to rob the banker when he came to collect. They're likely all malarkey though). He dreams of growing up to be his hero's sidekick. When he finally does he just gets ignored and bullied some more, finds out his hero Jesse is nothing more than another bully. (Wood Hite's bullying is ultimately what prompts Bob to kill him when he comes to kill Dick Liddell). So he decides to take revenge by becoming the hero that killed the notorious outlaw. I think it goes beyond a simple desire for wealth and fame. But he finds none of this recognition that he desires at the end. In fact he's ridiculed and despised, in fact people love the man he killed even more. Like he says "I expected applause." he was 21 at the time, foolish and not thinking about how people would react to what's effectively murder no matter how you slice it. When he says that he's looking back on it maybe ten years later, when he's rapidly approaching Jesse's age. And he regrets what he's done, he's operating a failing saloon and is ultimately friendless save for his girlfriend. When he's finally killed, it's not even first degree murder, it's second degree and his killer is ultimately pardoned. Also fun fact about Edward O'Kelley after being pardoned went on to be something of a scumbag. He was killed two years after his pardon while assaulting a police officer in Oklahoma City.
Thanks for some of the interesting historical tidbits. O'Kelley probably was a something of a scumbag to begin with. With the pardon, he looks more like some cheap gun for hire.
@@spinin1251 Honestly I don't think anyone in a position of power would've wanted to kill Bob Ford. It seems there were plenty of people who would've been willing to kill him for free. Prior to O'Kelley killing him, there'd been a previous attempt on Bob's life. An assailant tried to cut his throat in Kansas City, Kansas.
I agree and disagree with your comment, in my opinion The reason Bob killed Jesse was indeed more than just for fame, but it wasn't just because Jesse teased him a little and disappointed him,no it was because he realized despite how similar They appeared, They were 2 completely different Men, so different no matter what Robert did he would never have had become as respected and Admired as Jesse James was, it's like what Frank James said in The beginning of The movie he just doesn't have The ingredients, and deep down he knew it and Robert wanted so badly to prove frank Wrong.
Even as a kid when reading about Jesse's death i thought he either commited su*cide by taking his gun off & turning his back or that it was a hoax & he didn't really die. He had a cousin disappear at that time & some think it was him, not Jesse & that Bob & Charlie were in on the scheme.
At face value, it certainly looks like a Western. The characters, the setting, the look, etc. But like y'all said, at its core it's very much a tragedy that just uses the Western as a vehicle to tell what is basically a relationship story between Jesse and Bob. It's almost a romantic drama in that sense.
Good review of this movie!! Have not seen it in a very long time - forgotten how good it was. Also, the Jesse James Farm and State Historic Site outside of Liberty, MO, says that this is the most accurate film depicting Jesse James. Jesse James is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kearney, MO. Bob Ford is buried in Richmond, MO. Have been to both grave sites numerous times. The Jesse James home where he was killed in is at Saint Joseph, MO, and is a pretty good museum.
If you've ever played Red Dead Redemption 2 there's basically a shot for shot remake of the start of the train robbery scene; the light moving across the outlaws in the trees to Jessie/Arthur standing in silhouette in front of the train as it comes to a stop.
The descendants of Jesse James who keep his personal diaries have always said this movie is the most realistic depiction of Jesse James's life and personality.
The cinematography of this movie is probably one of the most beautiful parts of this movie
this movie came out during my second week at university studying movies.
you can imagine the buzz about it in class on monday morning.
even the tutor had been to see it.
i dont know what he was planning to teach that morning but it went out the window fos a 3 hour discussion about this film.
its bloody good isnt it.
100%
Music too
Finally someone reacting to this underrated gem! How it didn't win for best cinematography is the crime of the decade. Same thing goes for Nick Cave's hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, it didn't even receive a nom meh.
Now do Cloud Atlas (another criminally underrated one)!
Wow, finally someone watched one of the greatest movie of all time
this film is literally one of my favorite westerns/period pieces
this film is literally one of my favourite films)
This movie is a perfect example of greatness that would virtually never win an online viewer popularity poll. But what it offers is so subtly rich that it would be a crime to miss. The photography presents a world that pulls you in, but it’s the deliberate pace, the attention to detail and period authenticity, and the elegant narration that brings it all together. And of course every performance was perfect.
Jesse was complex in his own way, and many controversies and mysteries will likely never be answered. In many ways this film serves as a worthy headstone.
This is a wonderful RUclips edit of a great reaction. I watched the full Patreon version because I deeply love this film, but the RUclips version is as strong as such a format allows. The two of you are the strongest and best reactors / presenters in the business, and I say that after watching a huge number of others. You strike the perfect balance between comments and observation, and the closing summaries are always tops. Keep doing the beautiful work you do.
Wow, thank you!!
I concur 👍
There’s a great line in breaking bad, that I didn’t understand until I saw this movie. “Just because you killed Jesse James, doesn’t mean you are Jesse James” - Mike says to Walt
@@solidbeard8324 Hazard Pay; season 5, episode 3
The line is actually “Just because you killed Jesse James, don't make you Jesse James.” It’s an iconic line with Jesse James being the central figure of one of the wildest stories in history.
I saw this film a year ago at the Plaza Theater and the cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins and his wife presented the film. Great movie
Lucky dog.
This is very cool!) I hope Sir Roger Deakins mentioned the first rough cut ;)
very cool.
Deakins is a proper master of his craft, a bone fide legend living among us.
I was there, too! Wearing a t-shirt with a lithograph of the assassination, plus my vintage cowboy boots. It was a dream come true to see Deakins give a Q&A and then see my favorite movie of all time on 35mm film.
Finally !! Absolutely one of the best films of the last 20 yrs.
legit
True words
Finally somebodys reacting to this great film. It's probably one of the best Westerns & one of the most underrated. I saw this in highschool when it first came out. The cinematography alone is mesmerizing & superb with a stellar cast from the leads all the way to even it's minor characters. They all deliver top performances.
This is perhaps the first depiction of Jesse James that doesn't portray him as a folk hero. It shows the dark malice all to the nitty gritty. He wasn't a good person he was what he was a criminal outlaw murderer. I've seen many Jesse James films & albeit some were fun. It wasn't authentic they all had him portrayed as some caricature of a Western Robin Hood. Pitts performance showed depth & humanity adding continuity. An to the show stealer Casey Affleck who plays Robert Ford so brilliantly. Every scene he's in made me cringe uncomfortably with his social awkwardness & unsettling persona. This film doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
Thank you both for reacting to this! This movie is the reason why I love movies -- with an amazing cast of actors, it's unmatched in its cinematography and deep/delicate/developing tension... depressingly powerful! I loved your commentary throughout.
Brad Pitt´s best performance of his career.
How this movie didn´t win all the Oscars in 2007 is still a mystery to me.
This movie is a masterpiece. The cinematography is incredibly perfect. The actors are fantastic.
One of the most melancholic movies you'll see. Unique for it's genre.
Roger Deakins the cinematographer said that out of all his work the train heist sequence in this movie is the scene he's most proud of.
This is one of my favourite movies. It honestly gets better each time I watch it. It's to the point now where i cant contain the tears at the end of the movie because its such a sadly tragic tale of these two men. I didnt like Robert Ford but I felt so much empathy for him and his struggles. Its a really beautiful story and gives a lot of care to all these characters.
Excellent edit. Long conversations and the music are a challenge, and this was 80% talking/music.
If either Stanley Kubrick or Andrei Tarkovsky had ever decided to make a western, it undoubtedly would have resembled The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
A very astute description. There is a poetry to the cinematography, as if it was filmed by some long ago camera technique, and the manner of speaking in the dialogue seems as if it was possible from those times. Brad Pitt's Jesse is both terrifying, and sad, as he faces his fate. And Casey Affleck was on another level as this insecure wannabe who will do anything to not be unnoticed by the world.
@@littleghostfilms3012 In fact, Casey Affleck's character is a little more complicated ;)
This isn't really Tarkovsky-like at all though. Sculpting in Time even suggests that he probably wouldn't be a big fan of the film.
Indeed
Actually, it has more influences from Badlands (1973) stylistically and some of the musical score as well. Watch them back to back, you'll see what I mean. And the hands touching the grass recalls some of Malick's other movies as well.
Finally! I think that you are the first channel that I’ve personally seen, who have watched this movie. It’s such a great movie, I absolutely love the cinematography in it.
Roger Deakins should have won his first Oscar for this one. He made customized lenses. Those are not post processing affects for the establishing shots that have the blurred edges.
Probably should have won for Fargo, more than 10 years before this. Great DP work by him also in Kundun and No Country for Old Men (and Shawshank) that could have won Oscars prior to Jesse James.
finally=) I waited so long for someone to do the reaction) its one of my favourite movie, great reaction thanks=)
There is another one of my favourite movie called "Ned Kelly" 2003 with Heath Ledger, for me its his best role.
I love all of Nick Cave & Warren Ellis's soundtrack work. From 'The Road', to 'West of Memphis', 'Loin Des Hommes', Cave's own film 'The Proposition', this film, etc.
I only have one old cassette of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, but I collect anything from Cave & Ellis, preferably on vinyl if it's available.
Was hoping someone would mention this :) Nick himself has a cameo as the singer in the saloon too
Didn't cave also do the place behind the pines?
@@tecumseh821 yes !
Thank you, thank you, thank you...I was wondering why this movie reminded me so much of "The Proposition" ( another highly underrated movie)
Get yersef some bad seeds Records my gentle person :)
Fun fact: Warren Ellis also writes comics, successful ones too. He wrote the series that they based RED & RED2 off of, those Bruce Willis retired CIA agent films.
This movie got overshadowed by There Will Be Blood and No Country for Old Men in 2007, but I think this would be my favorite out of the three. Casey Affleck was amazing.
What a good year for movies that was. What a great time that was before the studios got drunk on DCEU and Marvel
2007 was one of the best years for movies. Probably the best of my lifetime.
Ok you guys NEED to watch the directors first film Chopper, incredible film. Eric Bana should have been nominated for it.
Side note 2007 was one of the best years in cinema, this, There Will be Blood, No Country for Old Men and Zodiac just to name a few.
I don't think Aussie cinema is there thing?...I kinda got that vibe when they watched the first Mad Max..and the Aussie accents threw them off lol
"Thats a nice little photo jimmy, a nice LITTLE photo"
ye me and my friends have been quoting chopper for 20 years.
its a must.
i never put it together till now that chopper and jesse james have alot in common.
@@NeilLewis77 Indeed the myth and the man
"Beethoven Had His Critics Too"
@@Ragnar6000 I'm sure they will understand chopper just fine mate.
@the_33rd
Don't forget Transformers!! 😁
One of the best shot films ever. Roger Deakins is brilliant
ikr
One of my all time favorite films 🙌 I'm still heartbroken that Criteron didn't want to do the extended cut for us though
I'm so happy you're reacting to this wonderful historic film. (very accurate by the way) A friend of mine out here in Kansas made the holster and gun belt featured in close-up just prior to Jesse James' death. Thanks for your videos!
One of the best Revisionist Western/Post Modern Westerns made. Brilliant score. "A Song for Bob", which is the final music, is one of the best pieces of movie music ever made.
I'd seen Casey Affleck in comedic performances and supporting roles until I watched this movie. He blew me away. Jeremy Renner and Garrett Dillahunt and Sam Rockwell were amazing as well. This is one of my favorite performances by Brad Pitt. Great movie.
Then I thought “This actor knows how to show a person’s soul at every moment without words.”
Garret Dillahunt is perfect in every appearance.
I'm glad that Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, and Brad Pitt all won Oscars eventually for other roles. They deserved them for this movie imo. Casey was the only one nominated and lost out to Javier Bardem. As iconic as Bardem was in No Country for Old Men, I think Casey's performance in this movie was infinitely more complex and demanding and brilliant.
I've been waiting for somebody to react to this, since I saw it earlier this year. It's such an underrated movie.
Love this film, I think it's Brad's best performance and it's such a beautiful looking movie
NICE!
This is a great epic Western, despite the slow burn, it's a good movie.
I love this movie *so much* I’m delighted you guys are watching it!
I didnt "get" this 1st time I watched it, was expecting a Tombstone type western. Watched again a year later with a friend & it clicked then. Love it & have rewatched endlessly.
I have never commented on a you tube reaction but I am so happy to see this one. This is in my top 10 films off all time
OMG, Thanks guys. This is such an underrated movie. Haunting AF...similar to "The Proposition" in a way
Press play .... NOW
Edit: as per usual you both kill it actually reviwing the movie. Thanks for the time you put into these videos and not simply reacting with zero outro
Thanks again, until next time
You could guess how RDR 2 was quite inspired by this film.
that stopping the train scene always takes me to RDR2
The fact that this film was largely ignored when it came out is an absolute crime. I'll admit, when I first saw it, I wasn't in the right frame of mind so I didn't appreciate it at the time. Having re-watched it again relatively recently, it boggles my mind how this was not as well regarded as No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood, which were both released in the same year. Brad Pitt gives a career defining performance as Jesse James, and in fact I've heard him in interviews where he says how it's his favourite role of his career. The way he portrays James in my opinion is as a man who, despite having a massive cult of mythology built around him, is riddled with a sense of despair because he knows his time is coming to an end and he wants someone to put him out of his misery. This is why I love Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' soundtrack, particularly the chime melody song (I think it's called 'Song for Jesse' on the OST) because it's so simple yet it feels so melancholic which I think perfectly reflects the inner torment experienced by both James and Bob throughout the film. Also, it should go without saying, but Roger Deakins' cinematography in this film is a work of art, particularly the train robbery scene which in and of itself is a masterpiece.
Any film with Roger Deakins attached to it is worth watching.
I'm glad you do this whatever wheel, it's nice to see some movies that people usually don't react to. I watched this back when it came out and really liked it.
Oh wow! Great pick guys. This is a real work of cinematic art.
I had no idea you were reacting to this. What a good choice. 👍🏼 You two should consider watching “Legends of the Fall” and “Dances with Wolves” as well.
This film ĥas always been a character study for me ..not of Jesse James.. but of Bob.. his transformation from the first scene to the last is fascinating.. even how he twirled the gun after shooting.. the new way he dresses as the film progressed.. just fascinating stuff really..
I thought I knew how good of an actor Casey Affleck is. I thought I knew . . .
1:29 Garry L will always be a Legend for this pick.
I'm not a fan of westerns but gd i love this movie, the cinematography, the story, so well done
Thank you so much for reacting to this! It’s such an amazing movie and story
I am so happy that you reacted to this movie. Unfortunately, there are not many reactions for this movie.
Thank you for reacting to this
Wow, great choice that you’re doing this particular film. Been waiting for this obscure masterpiece to get its due. It was highly overshadowed during the time of its release, but not without a legitimate reason cuz unfortunately, it was released on the same year as PTA’s There Will Be Blood and Coen Bros. No Country for Old Man. But also I think mainly bcs the director was still up and coming and obscure, and had only done one film in Australia up to this point.
Unfortunately a very underappreciated movie. Both Pitt & Affleck at their a-game. Wonderful cinematography & soundtrack. Thanks for reacting!
This is a great hidden gem movie. Good job Gary!
Yes! I've been wanting someone to react to this film for ages. And it's great that it's you guys. "Song for Bob" is one of my favourite soundtracks.
38:10 A Song For Bob
34:12 This is such a sad scene. The music...
Glad you guys react to these types of movies too, even if they're not the easiest to "react" to. Love the channel.
Jesse was a tragic character in this portrayal, he was very depressed. And the way the movie turns your opinion of Robert Ford without you even realizing it near the end is pretty masterful. This was right after the civil war in Missouri, and although Missouri stayed in the Union, it was a southern state and half its population supported the southern cause. The fighting in the state was literally family against family and bloody. Jesse and Frank were both riders with guerrilla groups that raided into the north. Jesse and the James gang were thought of as heroes to the local populace because they were robbing northern banks and trains. the federal government troops were occupying these states at this time as well. Thats how the mythos of Jesse James being this "Robin Hood" type character grew so much. The movie isnt 100% accurate but it does a pretty good job.
Jesse also had his house raided by northern troops as a kid which fueled his grudge
@@DiggitySlice yeah and the Pinkertons Detective Agency as well, they surrounded the James family farm thinking Frank and Jesse were in there and thew flares into the home. One exploded killing their 8yo brother and maiming and blowing the arm off of their mother. After that there was very little people in the area willing to help the authorities capture the James gang. It was a wild time.
Yeah, Jesse James had deep political motivations. He wrote letters to papers justifying his crimes as ongoing acts of war against the North.
Criminally underrated film. This soundtrack helps me sleep when i struggle woth insomnia. Not sure why but it’s so calming
Do check out "The Long Riders," another take on the Jesse James story. An point of interest in that movie is that all the James Gang brothers are played by actors who are actual brothers.
Good for y’all for reacting to this film! Not many have done it and it’s a subtle visual masterpiece! Crazy good cast as well! Pitt, Affleck, Rockwell, etc.
No Way You guys watched this! OMG! This is my favourite movie and NOBODY watches this. I bought the book that this movie is based off and it arrived TODAY! I can’t wait to see this reaction.
Yesss I'm so glad this won the wheel spin! The exceptional craft of this film puts it in my top 5 for sure, with other finely crafted gems like Children of Men and Master & Commander. The cinematography is a highlight but the writing, acting, narration, music, and the atmosphere they all produce are just fantastic.
I never thought people would react to this amazing movie. I actually looked.
One of my favorite movies of all time right here. Casey Affleck and Brad Pitt's best performances imo, with incredible cinematography by Roger Deakins and music by Nick Cave.
One of the great movies from 2007 that was underrated at the time along with Zodiac. That year was the last gasp of top notch cinema in one single year. It's been slowly subsiding since then. Also, my favorite performance from Pitt. To me, it's his deepest one.
Such an amazing movie, makes you feel like you're living in the 1800s with them
Love this film. Pacing is an issue for some people, and I can see that. However, I found this movie at the right time, and it blew me away.
Hi Daniel & Samantha, personally I prefer the 1939 Western/Action Film (Jesse James) starring Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Randolph Scott & John Carradine . However, I`m glad you enjoyed this film.
I live right by Bob Ford’s grave in Richmond, MO. After i saw this movie, i visit it time to time.
The long title, plus it being a “slower” movie left a lot of people critiquing it upon release, but it was otherwise highly praised from folks who knew/didn’t mind it not being your traditional western.
FINALLY someone is reacting to this! Thanks
great reaction! most movies could stand to lose 15mins but I'd happily sit through an hour more of this one.
Sometimes, a legend can devour a man
Imagine a post credits scene of Jim Cummins coming out the privy and saying "Did I miss anything?......Hello?" 🤪😂
so glad you guys watched this! More people need to know about this film. Incredible for so many reasons.
I love the melancholy that just flows through this whole film. Beautiful stuff.
OMFG THIS IS MY FAVORITE DRAMA, nobody reacts to this!
especially these days the themes of self mythology are so specific and poignant.
did you see Sunshine? you might have. it's the other masterpiece that year that was overshadowed by No Country and There Will Be Blood. ❤ the channel!
We have not seen Sunshine!
@@TBRSchmitt cillian murphy, Chris Evans, Michelle yeoh sci fi dir. by danny boyle (28 days later, trainspotting, slumdog millionaire)
They reacted to No Country & There Will Be Blood already. Search the channel.
@@laffingist218 Sunshine was also an underrated film. Quite good, real sci-fi, meaning that it had idea. I wouldn't quite put it in the same league as the others or call it a masterpiece.
you react to so many amazing movies that nobody else reacts to!
I interpreted the end of James as him being tired of that outlaw life. He knows there is no peace due to all the murders and they will hunt him until they get him. I love cinematography as well.
Those shots are more than wild, they are beautiful.
Brilliant movie. Another one if you liked this.. "The Proposition" the same people involved. Including the guy that played guitar at the end(Nick Cave) does the score in both films. It's a western too. Well worth a watch! 👌❤️
I'm not a Schmitt head you're a Schmitt head! And who is the Schmitt head who recommended this! Thanks a lot Schmitt head!! This is a movie I like to put on in the background or watch every couple of years. Have a great day you Schmitt heads!
Finally!) I watched this film for the first time back in 2007 in the cinema and this was the first role of Casey Affleck that I saw. This is the best kind of book storytelling that I have seen in cinema) I am so glad that you finally watched this movie. I always admired your reaction and interesting conversation after watching it. Your big fan))
@TBR Schmitt - 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford' is truly a unique Western. It has the Typical elements of a Classic Wester (Beautiful landscapes, the cowboys, Train Robbery,...), but it is SO MUCH MORE. It is as much as Western as it is a Psychological movie, exploring themes such as Mental Health (With elements of Depression, Guilt, remorse, Need of belonging through the eyes of somebody else in the case of Ford,...). It really offers a look at the 'Real Life' of pseudo hero or bandits, and what Reality looked like for them: fear of Death, betrayal, Paranoia,...And that is enhanced by the slow pace of the Camera, that really allows for the tension and Unease between characters to build up to a boiling point. As for the Death of Jesse, many interpretations can be valid as to how you choose to see it. Mine is that Jesse reached the end of his road emotionally and psychologically and could not bear any longer the weight of Depression and Paranoia, and chose to die looking at his source of happiness : his children.
What a great movie to react to. Don’t think I’ve seen anyone else do this.
"Don't that picture look dusty...?"
I’ve viewed this film multiple times and I’ve been glued to my seat, completely intrigued every time….
"Is that Zooey Deschanel?"
"I can't tell because she doesn't have bangs."
🤣
Poor guy's parents called him TBR Schmitt at birth. I wonder what his last name is. Joking. Love you guys
Personally I look at Bob as someone who's been ignored when he wasn't being bullied his whole life. (I mean he is the youngest of five brothers and personality-wise he strikes me as the sort to be bullied as a child). When he was young he read about Jesse James who was portrayed in his dime novels as someone who stood up for the little guy. Robbing from Northern affiliated bankers and railroad-man and giving back to impoverished Southerners. (There's all sorts of folk stories about Jesse and the James-Younger gang staying with a widow being foreclosed on, giving her money from their latest robbery and then waiting to rob the banker when he came to collect. They're likely all malarkey though). He dreams of growing up to be his hero's sidekick. When he finally does he just gets ignored and bullied some more, finds out his hero Jesse is nothing more than another bully. (Wood Hite's bullying is ultimately what prompts Bob to kill him when he comes to kill Dick Liddell). So he decides to take revenge by becoming the hero that killed the notorious outlaw. I think it goes beyond a simple desire for wealth and fame. But he finds none of this recognition that he desires at the end. In fact he's ridiculed and despised, in fact people love the man he killed even more. Like he says "I expected applause." he was 21 at the time, foolish and not thinking about how people would react to what's effectively murder no matter how you slice it. When he says that he's looking back on it maybe ten years later, when he's rapidly approaching Jesse's age. And he regrets what he's done, he's operating a failing saloon and is ultimately friendless save for his girlfriend. When he's finally killed, it's not even first degree murder, it's second degree and his killer is ultimately pardoned.
Also fun fact about Edward O'Kelley after being pardoned went on to be something of a scumbag. He was killed two years after his pardon while assaulting a police officer in Oklahoma City.
Thanks for some of the interesting historical tidbits. O'Kelley probably was a something of a scumbag to begin with. With the pardon, he looks more like some cheap gun for hire.
@@spinin1251 Honestly I don't think anyone in a position of power would've wanted to kill Bob Ford. It seems there were plenty of people who would've been willing to kill him for free. Prior to O'Kelley killing him, there'd been a previous attempt on Bob's life. An assailant tried to cut his throat in Kansas City, Kansas.
I agree and disagree with your comment, in my opinion The reason Bob killed Jesse was indeed more than just for fame, but it wasn't just because Jesse teased him a little and disappointed him,no it was because he realized despite how similar They appeared, They were 2 completely different Men, so different no matter what Robert did he would never have had become as respected and Admired as Jesse James was, it's like what Frank James said in The beginning of The movie he just doesn't have The ingredients, and deep down he knew it and Robert wanted so badly to prove frank Wrong.
this soundtrack is great too.
Such a great movie. Been waiting for this one since the patreon "coming soon" post...awesome reaction y'all.
Even as a kid when reading about Jesse's death i thought he either commited su*cide by taking his gun off & turning his back or that it was a hoax & he didn't really die. He had a cousin disappear at that time & some think it was him, not Jesse & that Bob & Charlie were in on the scheme.
A forgotten movie of Brad's is "Kalifornia". He plays a barely literate serial killer & plays it well. With David Duchovny & Juliette Lewis.
I love the Money Train segment. The music, the lighting, the ambience. I know this movie was a box office flop but I loved it.
I love your guys' wheel. It's such a great concept and let's fantastic movies life this sneak in.
At face value, it certainly looks like a Western. The characters, the setting, the look, etc. But like y'all said, at its core it's very much a tragedy that just uses the Western as a vehicle to tell what is basically a relationship story between Jesse and Bob. It's almost a romantic drama in that sense.
cinematography and score are superb
Good review of this movie!! Have not seen it in a very long time - forgotten how good it was. Also, the Jesse James Farm and State Historic Site outside of Liberty, MO, says that this is the most accurate film depicting Jesse James. Jesse James is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kearney, MO. Bob Ford is buried in Richmond, MO. Have been to both grave sites numerous times. The Jesse James home where he was killed in is at Saint Joseph, MO, and is a pretty good museum.
If you've ever played Red Dead Redemption 2 there's basically a shot for shot remake of the start of the train robbery scene; the light moving across the outlaws in the trees to Jessie/Arthur standing in silhouette in front of the train as it comes to a stop.