Monsters and Critics:
"Sam Shepard floats in and out of the action as big brother Frank James, the
older—wiser version of Jesse and the ethereal chorus whispering that there are
bad things awaiting those who stay the course of murder and violence. Director
Dominik plays Shepard like an ominous cloud on the horizon and starts out the
film with his defeated resignation from the gang; the harbinger of fragmentation
of the gang as the physical embodiment of the breakdown of the hero himself."
Film critic Cole Smithey:
"Jesse's stoic older brother Frank is majestically played by Sam Shepard."
The Grande Enchilada:
"The only person who looks alive in it is Sam Shepard, who plays Frank James. He
seems to be the only one who actually belongs in that world."
DLpreviews.com:
"The presence of Sam Shepard and the ubiquitous use of wheat, along with the
lighting and natural feel of the film (along with its 'lyrical-ness') reminded
me of 'Days of Heaven' and the tone is reminiscent of any of Terrence Malick's
films, and I mean that in a good way."
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion:
"Jesse’s brother Frank is played with stern strength by Sam Shepard."
DVD Verdict:
"Sam Shepard (Days of Heaven, yet another Malick connection), while only
in a handful of scenes, was a very good choice for the role of Frank James. He
has a key scene with Bob at the beginning of the movie."
Brett Buckalew, Filmstew.com:
"Still possessing the right stuff - Sam Shepard is flinty perfection in a small
role."
Guardian Unlimited:
"Sam Shepard has a nice cameo at the beginning of the film as Jesse's elder
brother Frank, coldly spurning Robert's sycophantic request to be considered a
regular member of the gang."
Epinions:
"Sam Shepard is great as the grizzled, tired Frank James who seems to feel
tired being around young men as well as Jesse's reckless behavior."
Chud:
"Sam Shepard adds so much weight to the few scenes he's in and Sam Rockwell is
appropriately unkempt and goofy as the weak-willed Charley Ford."
Andrew Benbow, Kamera.co.uk:
"The cinematography in this film is what should make anyone with an aversion
to the Western as a genre go to see it anyway. Roger Deakins manages to evoke
the beauty of Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven, echoed somewhat by the presence
of Sam Shepard as Frank James."
Dr. Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion:
"A film that’s enormously impressive on its own—thoroughly engrossing
despite is length and deliberate pace, and unfailingly beautiful to behold,
thanks to the extraordinary work of master cinematographer Roger
Deakins...Jesse’s brother Frank is played with stern strength by Sam Shepard."
Portsmouth Herald News:
"Sam Shepard has the strength and grace to pull off Frank James, Jesse’s tough
older brother."
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