"It was pretty stunning": Roger Deakins expresses his wish for an extended version of Brad Pitt's cult classic, the $15M box-office bomb, to be released, clocking in at 3 hours long, similar to the 'Snydercut' phenomenon.
Some movies may not perform well at the box office initially, but they eventually captivate audiences and achieve cult status. One such example is the 2007 historical epic, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," directed by Andrew Dominik.
Despite featuring a stellar cast led by Brad Pitt and showcasing Roger Deakins' remarkable cinematography, the film struggled to recoup its $30 million production budget, earning only $4 million domestically. However, its artistic brilliance and growing cult following compensated for its lack of commercial success.
Unveiling a Cinematic Gem's Cult Following
In a surprising revelation, acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins has expressed his desire for a longer version of "The Assassination of Jesse James."
Roger Deakins has recently shared in an interview with Collider the existence of a longer version of the film, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," extending over three hours in length. This extended edition, which Deakins describes as "pretty stunning," offers viewers a deeper exploration of the lives of Jesse James and the enigmatic Robert Ford.
Deakins expressed his desire to see this longer cut released, preferably on Criterion, a renowned platform for showcasing cinematic masterpieces. Although he believes it may not happen as director Andrew Dominik was content with the theatrical release, Deakins fondly recalls the initial cut he saw, which lasted over three and a quarter hours and left a lasting impression. There was even a version that exceeded four hours in length, demonstrating the film's vast scope and intricate storytelling.
Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its initial release, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" has garnered a devoted cult following. The film delves into the complex dynamics between Jesse James, the notorious outlaw, and Robert Ford, an early admirer who ultimately betrays him.
In a recent interview with Collider, renowned cinematographer Roger Deakins expressed his desire for a longer cut of the film "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford." Deakins recalled the mesmerizing experience of watching the first cut, which surpassed three hours in length. He even mentioned the initial plans for a four-hour version during the early stages of production.
With a potential runtime exceeding 195 minutes, an extended version of the film could delve deeper into the characters' motivations and relationships, further strengthening the narrative. However, there may be hurdles to overcome for its release.
Back in 2016, director Andrew Dominik revealed that Criterion, a prominent film preservation and exhibition company, had decided against releasing the original theatrical cut of the film, as they didn't consider it suitable for inclusion in their collection at that time.
Nevertheless, the tide may have turned since then. "The Assassination of Jesse James" has gained cult classic status and continues to attract a growing fan base, generating increased demand for a longer cut. The support of Roger Deakins, a highly respected cinematographer in the industry, adds credibility to the request and raises hopes for the release of an extended version.
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