The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford

Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The: A Novel (P.S.)
$13.99
I tend to be wordy. I will try not to be. This is a wonderful book. And I loved the movie and own both. The book was written some years ago and is an indepth study of the latter years of JJ. It could be titled The Story of Bob Ford. But then it probably wouldn't have sold. It is done in a style that reflects that era meaning the use of English as well as details in the environment. Some may find the English of that era shot through with references and words we are not familiar with. To some that frustrates. I tend to contextually get their meaning and enjoy that the wording is there and just let it pass. This is not the life history of JJ, but at the point past his life of crime and to the time when Bob Ford comes on the scene. It follows past the death of JJ, following Bob into areas I found interesting. [One fascianating thing for this reader, I am 63. At age 10 or younger there was a record around the house with this song about the coward who killed JJ. Just listened in ignorance and never heard that song again... until the movie. Bob hears it being sung in a bar years after the murder.]
For those who saw the movie, yes, it seems the greater part if not all of the movie script does come directly from the book. I am glad of that. If you're just passin' through, this might bother you. If you are 'interested' then you enjoy the exposure to an earlier time. I watch movies like this several times. (Just understand the book has more words than the movie--lol).

There Will Be Blood
$19.99
Wow. This is an impressive venture. For about the first 14 minutes, there is no talking whatsoever, just Daniel Day-Lewis mining alone for oil in the middle of nowhere, but that time is well spent and there's never a dull moment. In fact, what you see in that quiet beginning foreshadows what lengths Day-Lewis's character, Daniel, will ultimately go to in order to protect himself and his company. For the most part, I understood why Daniel behaved as he did throughout the movie, lying to, killing and rejecting those around him. Daniel is, generally speaking, a likeable character until he eventually goes off the rails toward the end, a selfish man alone with his money. Daniel Day-Lewis gives an outstanding performance here, totally Oscar-worthy. The guy really knows his art.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
$14.98
I avoided this film when it came out because I couldn't believe Casey Affleck was an actor to watch. Well, I am proud to be eating humble pie and admitting that he is a tremendous talent along with director Andrew Dominick, Brad Pitt, Sam Rockwell, Paul Schneider, Sam Shepherd, Allison Elliot, Garrett Dillahunt and the rest of the cast.

Many have complained that the film is slow and it is, but it's a beautiful meditative slow, where every frame is like a gorgeous photograph. And they are, since they were shot by Roger Deakins probably the best cinematographer alive. The music is haunting and evocative. The dialogue is poetic and of the era. Very rare for this day and age. Heck for any age. It's not a shoot'em up and anyone who needs that fix when they watch a film, well, stick with Tranformers. This is a film about real people in real life situations where the moral isn't about winning or getting the girl but the price of fame and the caprice of the public. I'd say the movie almost bears comparison to The Godfather with The King of Comedy mixed in. The sense of dread and loss the director and editors created was awesome. It's just powerful.

It was overshadowed by both No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood when it came out in 2007. But I think it's the superior of the three. It's definitely one of the best films I've ever seen.

3:10 to Yuma (Widescreen Edition)
$19.98
3:10 to Yuma (Widescreen Edition) new in box, played like it should have. Was a good movie, but didn't like the ending. Shippiing was great as usual.,