This time 3 years ago, Andrew Dominik was preparing for the release of his incredible film 'The Assassination Of Jesse James'. The movie, which starred Brad Pitt in the leading role alongside Casey Affleck and Sam Rockwell, went on to become one of my favourite films of all time. Never before had I seen such a deeply psychological character drama. Never before had a seen a film that, despite it's 19th century setting, perfectly captured our current obsession with celebrity culture. Never before had I been so in awe of a film's cinematography, music and atmosphere. And very rarely had I seen a performance quite like Affleck's as the lonely, tormented and ambitious Robert Ford.
However, there weren't many people in the film industry who felt the same way as I did upon seeing the film. Warner Bros. had expected an action packed ride that would be a hit with all audiences like that summer's 3:10 To Yuma, not a 3 hour long study of how a friendship turned to betrayal and later murder. Therefore, the film was shunned by the company and not given a proper DVD release or campaigned for awards.
Nevertheless, Dominik has seemingly been able to acquire another shot in the film industry as he has been attached to direct a biopic of Marilyn Monroe starring Naomi Watts in the lead role. Personally, I couldn't think of anyone better to enter the strange, mysterious and troubled depths of the Hollywood starlet's personal life that Dominik. The only worry I have, however, is that Dominik may decide to conform to what the studios expect after what happened to his previous film. I certainly hope not though, because if what he is able to create something as extraordinary as The Assassination Of Jesse again, this biopic could be something absolutely incredible.
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