Jesse James
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Henry Fonda, Henry Hull, Nancy Kelly, Randolph Scott, Tyrone PowerBrand: POWER,TYRONE
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; Spanish (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 106 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-03-06
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Movie Reviews of Jesse James
Movie Review: The stuff legends are made of...
Summary: 5 Stars
If you know me then you know that I'm not one initially drawn to the whole genre known as `The Western'. Those dusty epics complete with stagy gunfights and sluggish southern drawls always tend to bore me to tears. In recent years we've seen a resurgence of this long thought dead genre, and I must say that this has sparked an interest in me I didn't think possible. With Andrew Dominik's 2007 masterpiece (yes, I said MASTERPIECE) peeking a renewed interest in the legendary criminal known as Jesse James, I was intrigued to see what this 1939 film had in store for me.
Surprisingly, it doesn't disappoint.
While it has an old-fashioned feel and definitely shows its Hollywood influence, there is something almost organically inviting about Henry King's biopic. With expansive sets, finely tuned performances and a script that engages the audience in nearly every facet of James's life; `Jesse James' is an admirable attempt to humanize a man we all are dangerously curious about.
Factual or not (how many biopics are 100% factual anyways?), this film is certainly entertaining.
The film starts at the beginning of James's escapades, painting a sympathetic picture that involves a corrupt railroad company basically stealing property in order to expand their own interests. When Jesse and his brother Frank put their feet down so-to-speak, they make enemies, powerful enemies that force them into hiding and eventually into a life of crime. The film follows their lives, with the focus obviously on the life of Jesse, giving us a glimpse of him relationship with his girlfriend and eventual wife, Zee, as well as his relationships with certain key players in his life. While the treatment of Jesse's nature may be glamorized and or sympathized a little too much here (there is a difference between humanizing and sugar-coating), there is no denying that the film carries a powerful and often commendably subtle message. I think that alone makes up for any apparent embellishments; the surprising subtlety. Instead of going for the obvious flashy `all show, no depth' approach that many genre films can go for, `Jesse James' shows remarkable depth of character. It is really trying to build character here, as apposed to lining up a series of explosions and action sequences. That effort is well rewarded, for the character development (not without a few snags) is seemingly effortless.
I have a small handful of complaints, but none of them are really worth harboring on. I feel that Tyrone Power is perhaps too pretty to come off convincing as Jesse James (there isn't an edge needed to flesh out his darkside) but he works hard to deliver a charm needed to make him approachable. Outside of Power, and a hammy (and clichéd) Henry Hull (I know, he was entertaining but also very stereotypical) the performances here are rather outstanding, especially from the likes of Henry Fonda (I often label him a one-note, one-trick actor, but the subtle flourishes he delivered here were fantastic) and Nancy Kelly (such delicate ferocity). Also, because I'm sure he doesn't get many shout outs, I'm going to throw a bone towards Ernest Whitman who played Pinkie. There is a beautiful sincerity in his demeanor here. In fact, he's every bit as convincing and heartfelt as the supporting actress winner that year; Hattie McDonald.
For me, `Jesse James' is a knockout and a film I will most certainly watch again.
Summary of Jesse James
The story of Jesse James, how he started his gang and became both an infamous outlaw and a hero.Genre: Westerns
Rating: NR
Release Date: 6-MAR-2007
Media Type: DVD