Beyond the myth lies America’s greatest betrayal|Sep. 07, 2007|United States | Canada | United Kingdom|160 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Drama;Western
Description: In 1881, a young and starstruck Robert “Bob” Ford seeks out Jesse James as the James Gang plans a train robbery in Blue Cut, Missouri. Bob tries unsuccessfully to join the gang with the help of his older brother Charley, who is already a member. However, the train robbery yields far less money than expected, leading to a disillusioned Frank James leaving the gang and his brother Jesse. Jesse returns to Kansas City, Missouri, bringing along the Ford brothers, Dick Liddil, and his cousin Wood Hite. After sending most of them away, Jesse insists that Bob stays to assist with moving furniture to a new home in St. Joseph, Missouri. Bob’s admiration for Jesse grows during this time, but he is eventually sent away. He then stays at his widowed sister Martha Bolton’s farmhouse, where he reunites with Charley, Hite, and Liddil.
Liddil later reveals to Bob that he is conspiring with another gang member, Jim Cummins, to capture Jesse in exchange for a significant bounty. Meanwhile, Jesse visits another gang member, Ed Miller, who inadvertently exposes Cummins’ plot. Jesse kills Miller and then sets out with Liddil to hunt down Cummins. Unable to find him, Jesse brutally assaults Albert Ford, a young cousin of Bob and Charley, who had offered him shelter. Later, Liddil stays with Hite at his father’s house, where he engages in an affair with Hite’s young stepmother. When Hite discovers this, he confronts Liddil at the Bolton residence, holding him at gunpoint. Bob intervenes and fatally shoots Hite. Together, they dispose of his body in the woods to avoid Jesse’s suspicion.
Jesse later arrives at the Boltons’ home for dinner, where the Ford brothers deny any recent encounters with Liddil. During the meal, Jesse mocks Bob for idolizing him, causing Bob to grow disillusioned and resentful, especially after learning about the mistreatment of his cousin. Jesse and Charley Ford eventually travel to St. Joseph, where Jesse inquires about Hite’s disappearance. Charley denies any knowledge of the matter, further deepening the tension.
Cast director: Andrew Dominik
Cast actor: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Paul Schneider, Jeremy Renner, Garret Dillahunt, Zooey Deschanel, Ted Levine
Original name: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford