Subject:  my review of AofJJbyCRF Re: A Journey with Jesse James |
Author:
Mystie
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Date Posted: 01:41:59 10/05/07 Fri
In reply to:
Gina
's message, "A Journey with Jesse James" on 16:59:18 10/02/07 Tue
I saw this movie on Tues (it's only playing in TWO theaters in the entire City, can you believe it?? luckily one of the two theaters is right by my house :)) and i have to say, i really was blown away by Brad's performance, as well as Casey Affleck's. If they don't get an Oscar nod for Best Actor/ Best Supporting Actor (respectively), something is seriously wrong with the world. It really does feel like a character study with this one and even though there were some complaints that the movie is too long and i was anticipating it to be a tad drawn-out, it was anything but. Every pause, every second of reaction on the characters' faces was right on. The only negative comment that i have is that the voice over was a tad tedious at times, it was telling people exactly what was happening on the screen, and that was sort of annoying. There's no need to dumb down the viewer to that level, i dont dispute that the voiceover was necessary overall but a few times it was beyond redundant.
Also, SPOILER: we get to see Jesse James cry in one scene, a Brad signature acting moment :)it's surprising though because on one hand here's this ruthless outlaw that doesn't fully trust anyone around him and is suspicious and willing to do anything to those who he thinks betray him, and yet there's this soft moment where he just breaks down and cries, it really is beautiful.
Lastly, the whole notion of crazed notoriety/early ideals of celebrity are sharply outlined here, starting from Robert Ford's obsession with Jesse, and ending with the fact that J.James' body was photographed and pictures were sold for magazines (creepy how this was well over 100 years ago yet here we are today, with this practice only spinning more and more out of control). Although i have to admit, i do think this "life imitating art" aspect was kind of overly emphasized on Brad's accord.... we'll see if it will help the film at all in that respect...
All in all, great film and great job by Brad. Solid A from me. This one is a must see. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, i should add! I hope it all pays off and more come awards time.
Mystie
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