Assassination of Jesse James

A few days ago I noted that Ron Hansen, the author of the book The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford upon which the new Brad Pitt film is based, is a Catholic Deacon.

So it is not too surprising to read some of Barbara Nicolosi’s thoughts in her rave review of the film:

The subtextual title of the film could be: “Living in Sin.” The film illustrates the destruction wreaked in human lives from habitually living in a state of spiritual rebellion….in a really funny way sometimes. My friend and I were laughing very loud at times at the absurdity that becomes the life of the person who, as St. Bernadette says, “loves their sin.” But way beyond just showing the banality of living in a committed relationship to evil, Assassination does a cool thing in making the point – particularly through the style of dialogue – that human beings trying to live out the Genesis lie “you shall be like God,” end up as transparent and ridiculous phonies.

Hmmm…that sounds promising. I wonder how long it will be before left and right political junkies start calling this a “cautionary tale” against Bush or Hillary, depending on their sides. Please don’t. Just stop that, please. It’s getting old.

Dirty Harry also gives this an absolute rave review:

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford isn’t only the best film I’ve seen all year, but in many years. It was more than a film, it’s what all great films are: an experience. One I look forward to reliving again many times.

My husband and I saw 3:10 to Yuma a few weeks ago, and it was very good but I had expected it to be even better – because it was based on an Elmore Leonard story, I expected much better dialogue. I’m looking forward to this film, too, but I might want to read the book first.