3. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Andrew Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is the cinematic equivalent of being flogged into submission. Many have joked over the years that the film's runtime is the only thing longer than its title, for there is a great film hiding inside the 160 minute runtime somewhere, but the long takes, needless repetition of scenes and incessant mumbling (I had to watch parts of this film with subtitles to know what was going on) create a noxious atmosphere that will turn off all but the most dedicated cinephiles. When the titular act finally happens, the low energy of the whole film invites little more than a shrug, and a feeling of "I really wish this was 100 minutes long". A little more enthusiasm and a less laborious approach would have gone a long way in doing strong service to a worthy story, yet the film still has its fans, as evidenced by a recent theatrical revival in the US.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
