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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) - Full Reaction (Patreon)

Published:
2026-01-27 23:01:32
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2026-01
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Woah!! Still trying to decide my feelings about this-I think it was beautifully made and acted but it was sad and unsettling, which was on purpose, I know-another nod to the acting. Thanks to Tanner for this pick! I recognized everyone but couldn’t place anyone until the outro-don’t be mad haha

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[Full Reaction] The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

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First Name Ella

Omgggg this is one of my favorite movies of all time

Tyler Hale

Just saw this at Quentin’s theater

Blake Evans

This is such a hidden gem. i recommend it to everyone that want to branch out from their normal film tastes. Whether it be that the film feels like I'm actually watching a novel, Roger Deakins used replica lenses from the 1880s to get the fish bowl effect. Or that the acting is top notch from all involved. And though I love those shoot em up, bang bang style westerns this one is much more contemplative and character driven. Also Anthony Hopkins shares the character name of Robert Ford in the HBO series Westworld (2016). Season 1 has my highest recommendation and is one of the few perfect seasons of television, again playing with all those Western tropes we expect but don't get in this film. Can't wait to rewatch!

nick bell

Definitely one of my favorites of this century.

Shad Kanyak

912 streaming services and this is a rental only. Humbug, I say!

aarswft

Who knew Robert Frost dabbled in murder when not writing poetry.

JL_83

without giving too much away, there’s a knife scene in this movie that really cracks me up…if you’ve seen it, you likely know which one I’m referring to

Sam Whitewater

I was in film school when this came out, one of my roommates watched it at least once a day for half a year. Love it.

Nihildum

'berta! Hard to be proud of Alberta at the moment, but at least we still have this beautiful movie to our credit. Excited to watch this once more tonight.

JohnnyUtah

Saw this once then could never find it again. Remember it being very good

First Name Ella

God the cinematography of the train robbery scene gives me goosebumps every time

Mauro Lepe

This is a visual masterpiece! Had a chance to meet Mr Deakins and he explained to us how he would rub Vaseline on the edge of the lenses to make the scenes look more hazy and dreamy.

La Baanga

That Nick Cave score tho....

Just Plain Bob

I was surprised at Cassie’s surprise at Jesse’s use of violence. I understand she didn’t know his story going in, but the opening narration clearly stated that he murdered 17 people. I’ve lived my entire life in the South and am a proud Southerner. But Jesse James was nothing more than a thug, a cold blooded murderer and a thief who used people’s misguided loyalty to the pre-Civil War South as an excuse for his murderous deeds. He wasn’t some Robin Hood that stole from the rich and gave to the poor, just a killer that robbed trains, banks and innocent men and women. Robert Ford did the world a favor when he assassinated him (though his motivation appears to have been a desire for fame and money, not altruism). All that said, this is a great film. IMO the monthly pick a flick has been a roaring success with Cassie’s patrons picking one great movie after another.

Just Plain Bob

PS to above: Anyone that’s read about the real Old West (or watched documentaries on the era), not the fictionalized Hollywood version, knows that the shootout between Hite and Liddil is one of the most accurate ever depicted. Not necessarily in this particular instance (having not read much about the James gang I can’t pretend knowledge of this particular incident), but it is accurate in terms of most documented shootouts of the era. Antagonists frequently shot at one another in close quarters, missing far more than they hit. Apparently, being shot at by an enemy at close range doesn’t lend itself to accurate marksmanship for most people.

Edgar Gonzalez

Cassie "Just because you killed Jesse James, don't make you Jesse James"' Always remember that. 😁

Tanner

As you said, “not a heartwarming movie,” but it was such a joy to watch along with you. I had a similar experience my first time, I wasn’t able to pinpoint why I felt like I was “watching excellence” and it led me to taking a course in college about filmmaking in which I wrote a paper about this very movie. It was so fun to revisit, so thanks for the opportunity and for sticking with it. I hope the community enjoys it as well.

Joel_C

I absolutely love this film, I think one of its goals as a neo-western is to go against the more romanticized ideals of early westerns. Putting forward the idea that these people weren’t heroic or charitable, they were selfish and immensely human. You said it yourself early on in the reaction: “Never meet your heroes,” Robert has to confront the idea that Jesse isn’t the nickle book character he grew up idolizing. Personally, I can’t help but pity Bob Ford, he was just a kid, forced into a situation that turned him into an American icon overnight. The final ten minutes of this film never fail to stir in me some of the strongest emotions. It’s tough to grapple with, yes, but I think it’s one of the greatest films ever made. Glad you were able to watch it.

DavidJPL

Whenever I can't find a movie online anywhere, I usually have good luck checking out the DVD from my local Library. :)

Shad Kanyak

Thankfully this is a rare occurrence. I have about 1500 blu-ray/4K in my collection, so I’m usually covered between that and streaming.

Gryff

I live a short ways from where that Coward Robert Ford met his end. Gunned down in cold blood by a law man out for revenge. Last words he heard were reported to be "Hello, Bob."

Larry Darrell

A word that might describe the Western films you’ve watched in the past… Storybook. Westerns are usually morality tales with good vs. bad characters. The simple world and lives that these characters live and the vast landscapes and small dusty townships. They are so foreign to our world today, that Western films feel more like a Fairy-tale, than a reality. There’s usually a Hope that good will triumph over evil, and even if there isn’t a happy ending, that feeling of hope and of possible second chances still lingers. This film, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, did not feel like a fairy-tale. There was never any Hope. The Title told you so before the film ever began. All the characters, aside from Zee and the children, made you feel uncomfortable in some way. Not so uncomfortable that you wanted to turn the film off, but more feeling of intrigue, sadness, pity, fear for them. The world they lived in was that of Outlaw glory and fame, which quickly became a life of fear and paranoia. This film, is not a typical Storybook Western, in that it’s subject matter is not so removed from our everyday world. It’s subject matter felt all to real. The Celebrity and Obsessed Fan who covets fame relationship. I’m sure every celebrity has their creepiest fan interaction story. Then throw in the fact that Jesse James is not some normal celebrity, but a wanted Outlaw with a $10,000 bounty on his head, and he doesn’t trust a damn soul. That’s a recipe for some very awkward relationships. I’d say this film leaned more on the sympathy side of Robert Ford. Leaning heavily into his fear that Jesse was going to kill him and Charlie, and giving Jesse the “psychopath” quality that some historians believe in. But, even in this film, I don’t believe that Jesse wanted to kill any of his friends or fellow gang members. If he did, then why not just do it and end the tension, and finally have peace. Why tell Charlie Ford that he killed Ed Miller. Why play all the games. I believe he wanted to trust everyone, but his past experiences, since his bloody days riding with Quantrill at the age of 16, thru his Outlaw days of constantly hiding and using aliases… his daily life had become a constant struggle with himself, to try and shed the outlaw life and settle down. In this film, Jesse James was also shown to be struggling with his past evil deeds. There was a suicidal element to the way he talked and behaved. There’s the line Jesse gives after asking Charlie if he had ever considered suicide… “I tell you one thing that’s for certain, you won’t mind dying once you’ve peaked over the other side… you’ll no more want to go back to your body, than you’d want to spoon up your own puke.” Jesse James had been at death’s door twice before in his life. When Jesse takes his guns off, neatly lays them on the couch, and climbs up on a chair to dust off a picture, so nicely presenting his back to Bob and Charlie Ford (all according to historical record), it is totally perceived through this film, that Jesse James did not mind in the moment, if Bob Ford shot him. This film is NOT 100% how it happened, as far as we know. All the names, dates, locations, and actions are historically documented, yes. But the narrative that this film gives… all the thoughts and words spoken, and intentions and motivations the characters have for their actions, are all speculative. This film is based on a novel of the same name, written by Ron Hansen, and it is considered Historical Fiction. What Hansen did with his novel is put Rhyme to Reason, and I’ll agree it makes for a compelling story. As great and masterful as the film is, it’s definitely not a one you want to revisit often. But, if you do want to watch a film that follows the same events as this one, but is more of a “Movie” Movie, and not as gloomy, I recommend… The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James (1986)… starring Kris Kristofferson as Jesse James and Johnny Cash as Frank James. Now, I know what some of you may be saying… “that TV movie with the old country stars trying to act.” I kinda thought half as much myself, and didn’t think it was going to be very factual, considering how many big budget mainstream films that had been made before and after this one, that were largely historically wrong. But, I was Surprised! If The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) is considered the most accurate in historical facts, then it’s sister film is The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James (1986). The same beats are hit, just with a slightly different sound in some places. You even get an extended portion of Frank’s story, that is mostly true. One bit of fiction, at the very end, I have to say was worrisome at first, but then became very satisfying. If you’ve ever seen, I Shot Jesse James (1949), which romanticized Bob Ford and turned him into a tragic hero, then you’ll understand what they’re doing, and it’s perfect! I highly recommend The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James (1986). It’s free on YouTube right now. Johnny Cash is actually really good in it. PS: I remembered Cassie saying she couldn’t watch The Office because of the awkward cringe humor. That made this reaction kinda funny at times. ;-)

Larry Darrell

Well, the truth about a mirror Is that a damned old mirror Don't really tell the whole truth It don't show what's deep inside Or read between the lines And it's really no reflection of my youth 🫡

Matt

Love this film, looking forward to watching

Matt

Crazy that we got Jesse James, There Will Be Blood and No Country For Old Men all the same year, 3 western masterpieces imo

Clay F

Thanks to PAF for yet another good movie. Stacked cast (to me). Great acting and cinematography. Fitting narration. Bob Ford is weird/creepy from the start. Agree that Brad Pitt good acting – a commanding presence. The excellent acting by Casey Affleck is a highlight of the movie for me. The movie is like an art film. Hypnotic. Absorbing. More about psychology than gunslinging. 8/10.

Clay F

Jesse James was effectively wanted "dead or alive," w/Missouri Gov. Crittenden offering $10,000 reward for his capture or death in 1881-1882. Bob Ford collected this bounty in shooting/killing unarmed James on April 3, 1882, to claim reward. Of the westerns you have reacted to, my favs are 3:10 to Yuma (2007) (stunning), The Outlaw Josey Wales (love that movie), Dances with Wolves, Open Range (awesome duo and the beautiful Annette Bening; the teen Diego Luna grew up to be lead in Andor), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (charismatic duo who functioned well in the trio), Unforgiven, Tombstone (for Val Kilmer performance). Looking forward to your reaction to "A Fistful of Dollars" (1964) that won the YT poll.

Lamar Smith

Ain’t that the dang old truth, my friend. Do you still feel 35…… well, MOST of the time, anyway?

Steve Holton

Thanks for your pick, Tanner. Well done.

Popcorn In Bed

i think i wanted to romanticize him, i guess like the world did

Popcorn In Bed

I love that description feels like you’re watching a novel

Edgar Gonzalez

Yep, famous line said in the hit series "Breaking Bad". You should check it out. It's still one of the most recommended and loved series out there. ♥️

OddThomas

Train Dreams has a similar vibe and is equally good

OddThomas

Westerns: Hostiles, The Quick and the Dead, Shane

Jason Dolan

Does Cassie have a reaction to The Curious Case of Benjamin Franklin?

Clay F

"Shhaaane?" "Ppaaaaa?" +1 for Hostiles.

Clarence Newman

The Quick and the Dead is really good. Great cast too.

Steve Holton

Hi Jason, On the Popcorn In Bed Letterboxed it says The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was watched before the channel, so unfortunately it is not eligible for a first-time watch by Cassie. Popcorn In Bed Letterboxed: https://letterboxd.com/popcorn_in_bed/

VOCFM

I mean I liked it but about 50% of the way through I did a mental battle to keep watching and not go to bed, stayed and finished it, and it was good but so slow that it was hard to stay awake in my state lol

Kevin Farrell

I can't help but laugh every time Cassie calls him Robert Frost. Never trust a poet 😆

JRCortez

If there's ever a movie that earns the phrase "slow burn" (yes, it's a compliment) it's this one. Until there's a brilliant flash of light.....

Stick Figure Studios

I believe the word you are looking for in your intro might be "mythic."

Clay F

Thanks Tanner for this pick.

Canadianant

First time watch this one. The pluses great acting directing. Similiar to Cassie I felt like I seen something that was technically great and is obviously incredibly well made but I didn't know how to feel about it and man, is it slow. I've got to be honest. I watched it this morning and I think I dozed off a couple times briefly during it. I'm glad I watched it cuz it's definitely one just for the tactical achievement level. But yeah it's slow.

K, Zachary

So we finally got to this one my gf went and watched her show The Pit, she said this was making her completely uncomfortable. Watching this for a second time. I think that was the point. I agree with the critics on this one who a couple of them said this is a portrait of our world and this one was more truer to our world. Made a lot of Top Ten lists for that year and named one of the best movies of the 21st century by Rolling Stone.

Mojo One Thousand

This had been on my list for a long time, so I thank Cassie and Tanner for helping me knock it off my list. I didn't realise it had the cast it did, as I was mainly aware of the leads, Pitt and Affleck. It's also not too mystifying that it looks good when you have Roger Deakins running the cameras. Couple of interesting things about the director, Andrew Dominik, he is a New Zealander that has a bunch of music video work for Australian and New Zealand bands early in his career. This would explain why Australian musician Nick Cave is involved in the music of the film, and also plays the troubadour to which "Robert Ford" takes umbrage with late in the film. Cave was involved in an Australian western-style film "the Proposition" (2005) from a couple of years earlier than this. He write the screenplay and the music. Australian didn't have a "west" in the same way the US did, but we did have a similar frontier experience. Also, another interesting thing is that this is the first Hollywood feature film for Dominik, with the only other feature credit in his bio being "Chopper" (2000), and Australia film that has a lot of parallels to this film. A story of an infamous real-life person that is very similar to "Jesse James" just in a different time and place. It is also the film that propelled Eric Bana into the global spotlight, he was already known to Australians, particularly for his work in comedy. I have suggested "Chopper" before and I think it would make for an interesting reaction. Seems an intersting counter-factual that this was somehow "the road not taken" by Robert Frost "that has made all the difference".

KingofCoo1

Stupid Robert Frost.

Milton Reduxed

Beautifully ethereal film There is a popular theory that 2007 was the last great year in American cinema, and a pivotal year in civilization with the release of the IPhone and Netflix

Milton Reduxed

Cassie had a 'Finkle is Einhorn!' moment when she realised Bob's true identity