theassassinationofjessejamesbythecowardrobertford_l200609081706.jpgGreat westerns tend to feel different from other movies; they are usually much darker, more brooding, and more archetypal than most films clogging the multiplex. The truly astounding westerns provide an eye-popping canvas upon which is painted the starkest and dirtiest human emotions.

Which is probably why we haven’t seen a great one in years. It simply isn’t easy enough to sell to the Norbit crowd.

Thankfully Brad Pitt has decided to attach his considerable clout to a western that could contend for the most unwieldy title in movie history: The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford.

And you thought Brangelina was a mouthful.

The first trailer for this film showed little, but hinted at a more complex story. Now the second one has arrived, and with it a further glimpse at some true western-style turmoil:

While the film looks incredible, I can’t quite accept Brad’s mumbling, overly-moody take on the famous thief as it’s shown here. What is obvious is that this film intends to be more of a character-driven piece, rather than an old-fashioned, ride-yer-horse-and-shoot-yer-gun style of western.

For my Munny, the best western of all time is Unforgiven. Loaded with brilliant performances, the film showcases stunning, realistic violence yet meditates on the nature and consequences of killing.

This is one of my favorite moments from that film. Sort of.

Watch it:

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=Fezcuhv0qBI[/youtube]