15. The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford might not have received universal critical acclaim at the time of its release and enjoyed only a lukewarm reception from movie goers at the box office, but in the 7 years since its release appreciation for this minor masterpiece is already shifting firmly in its favour. Featuring a wonderfully understated performance from Brad Pitt as Jesse James - a portrayal which flies in the face of earlier screen incarnations which opted to romanticise this essentially psychopathic individual - The Assassination of Jesse James... offers a truly unique vision of the American western. Roger Deakins' cinematography combined with a script which feels utterly authentic to the period in its mode of speech lend the film a mood of nostalgia as it explores the desires and motives of its charismatic - and enigmatic - lead characters. Appreciation for this film is sure to only grow more widespread.
