The most powerful segment in the film comes during the titular action. Although lasting only a few brief moments, the entire scene is perfectly crafted in every way imaginable.

Although the title, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” may be obtuse and clunky, the film itself is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Chronicling the final months in the life of the notorious outlaw, the film succeeds in creating legendary characters ripe with flaws. As the title suggests, a bulk of the film revolves around the birth, life and eminent death of the relationship between Jesse James and Robert Ford.

Casey Affleck handles Ford with soft spoken, yet frightening grace. His portrayal of a man broken apart by the continual shunning of his childhood idol is one of the strongest of the year. The camera tends to linger on his facial expressions, painting a portrait of a man being torn apart internally.

Opposite of Affleck, Brad Pitt delivers a subtly brooding performance as the legendary outlaw during the waning moments of his life. With the burden of a lifetime of atrocities on his back, he seems physically, mentally and emotionally empty at the young age of 34. His only moments of happiness come from the little time he gets to spend with his wife and kids.

The criminally underrated Sam Rockwell (“Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”) is excellent as Ford’s older brother, Charley. A bit slow, yet always loyal, Charley acts as an intermediary between his brother and James, constantly struggling to keep the two in favor with each other.

One minor letdown with the film is the fact that both James and Ford suddenly disappear for roughly a half-hour stretch. While the side-story involving a feud between James’ cousin and another member of the gang is interesting, it left the viewer hungry for more scenes with Affleck and Pitt.

Another small qualm that many may have with the film is the fact that much of the back story is told through the use of narration. If used correctly, such as in films like “Little Children,” narration can be an amazingly powerful tool. However, the narrator in “Jesse James” has a rather bland and rambling voice, which doesn’t fit the visual and emotional energy of the images on screen.

The most powerful scene in the film comes during the titular action. Although lasting only a few brief moments, the entire scene is perfectly crafted in every way imaginable. From lighting and editing, to the jarring sound design, it is a scene on par with Brian De Palma’s epic baby carriage scene in “The Untouchables” as a crash course in great filmmaking.

Director Andrew Dominik handles his second feature film with the grace and aplomb of the most seasoned of filmmakers. The pacing of the film is magnificent, and tension builds at all the right moments. Kudos must also be given to cinematographer Roger Deakins, whose previous efforts have included “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Fargo” and “The Village.” His impeccable eye gives life to nature in an almost 3D quality.

In the waning moments of the film, the viewer is left to question the accuracy of the title. Was James assassinated, or did the burden he was carrying cause him to lose the will to live? Was Ford a coward, or did the fact that he ended the life of one of the most infamous figures in American history immortalize him?

With questions unanswered and dust unsettled, “The Assassination of Jesse James” stands tall as an expertly crafted film in every sense of the word, and the very best of 2007.

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