Share and Follow
Brad Pitt is the epitome of a movie star, so much so that his image is often used to define that term in dictionaries. He has consistently delivered outstanding performances in over 60 titles, earning numerous Oscar nominations and widespread acclaim. What sets him apart is his ability to make each movie in which he appears an event, captivating audiences with his talent and charisma. From his first role in Thelma & Louise to Margot Robbie and his role in Babylon, we can’t resist the urge to see what he does next on screen.
Of course, not all of Brad Pitt’s movies were huge successes at the box office, but that doesn’t mean they were necessarily bad movies. In fact, one of Pitt’s lowest ranking movies at the box office happens to be what critics perceive as a perfect movie. Keep reading to find out which movie it was and what makes a movie perfect.
What Do Critics Consider A ‘Perfect Movie’?
Honestly, a lot of critics are basing their review of the movie on their opinion of the movie. Nothing more, nothing less. If they don’t care for a certain actor or director it can sway that review quite a bit. The same thing goes for people who read those reviews. You may always refer to Roger Ebert or Rotten Tomatoes for your truth, and stand firm with them. Movies, in short, are critiqued by matters of opinion.
To realistically break down a film, though, it’s not just about the story. There are the technical aspects such as acting, directing, cinematography, writing and production. These elements need to come together to create a cohesive story that evokes emotions from the audience.
This Brad Pitt Movie Is Considered The Best
According to interviews completed by Forbes, a perfect movie must have three things: “Be bold. Be honest. And be immersed in movie culture.” With this in mind, it’s no surprise that one of Brad Pitt’s lowest grossing movies, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, is often considered a perfect movie by critics. Despite only earning $15 million (worldwide) at the box office, the film was praised for its bold storytelling, honest portrayal of its characters, and immersion in Western movie culture.
Starring Pitt as Jesse James, the film delves into the psyche of the infamous outlaw and his relationship with his eventual killer, Robert Ford. With stunning cinematography and a haunting score, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a prime example of a perfect movie, as it embodies the three key elements identified by Forbes. Its critical acclaim and cult following prove that a movie’s success is not solely measured by its box office earnings, but rather by its ability to captivate and resonate with its audience.
Was Brad Pitt Good In The Role Of Jesse James?
Even though he is a Hollywood A-lister and was at the peak of his career, Brad Pitt made a bold decision to star in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford as it explored different themes of typical movie culture at the time. Brad Pitt at the time was 42 years old and had recently starred in another masterpiece, Babel.
Pitt’s decision to take on a low-budget historical role demonstrated his willingness to step outside his comfort zone as an actor. The film tells the story of late 19th-century train robber Jesse James and delves into the complexities of idolizing famous figures.
Read Related Also: Madison LeCroy Talks A-Rod’s DMs, Says He Wanted Side Chick
According to the LA Times, Andrew Dominik, the director of The Assassination of Jesse James, aimed to create a solemn portrayal of notoriety and celebrity. His objective was achieved, and he also managed to demonstrate Brad Pitt’s capability in a different acting style. Pitt’s portrayal of James was multifaceted; he displayed empathy as well as cruelty in his behavior. The end sequence where Jesse James acknowledges his destiny as he is watching his children play truly makes an impact. Overall, both Pitt and Dominik delivered their finest performances in this film.
How Much Did Brad Pitt Make For The Role Of Jesse James?
According to The Bomb Report, Brad Pitt ended up losing money after starring in the 2007 Western film. Despite the financial hit, Pitt still considers it one of his favorite movies to have worked on. He explained that actors will often work on a project simply because they love it and have to do it, even if it means taking a pay cut or a financial loss. The Assassination of Jesse James may not have been a box office success, but for Pitt, the experience was ultimately rewarding.
Brad Pitt isn’t the only high profile actor who has lost money on a movie. Kevin Costner lost money on The Postman. He had been passionate about the story since reading the book by David Brin and had spent years developing the project. Costner not only starred in the film but also directed and produced it.
Regardless of George Clooney’s star power and reputation as a successful actor and director, he also suffered a blow to his personal bank account. His movie Letterheads failed to live up to expectations at the box office. As a result, Clooney reportedly lost a significant amount of money on the project.
John Travolta also makes this list. Despite being a highly anticipated science fiction film, Battlefield Earth failed to impress audiences and critics alike. Travolta, who not only starred in the movie but also produced it, reportedly lost millions of dollars on the project. The film’s poor box office performance and negative reviews were a major disappointment for the actor and the studio.
Mel Gibson lost money on his 2012 movie Get The Gringo. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the movie failed to make a significant impact at the box office. Gibson later admitted that the film’s lack of success was a disappointment, but he remained proud of the project and the work that went into it.