Brad Pitt Talks Jesse James

Brad Pitt talks about life and his performance as America's most notorious bandit in his new movie The Assassination of Jesse James.

Do you think your character in The Assassination of Jesse James was a psychopath?

I would say that that paranoia consumed Jesse James and certainly was responsible for a lot of his erratic actions.

What made you feel that this story needed to be retold today?

I don't see it as a retelling. I only understood the myth that we grew up with in America – the American folklore.

Did you like working in the film?

I love movies like Jesse James. Such movies breathe and allow for human moments, it's my favourite kind of storytelling.

Was preparing for the role of Jesse different from other roles?

The preparation is all the same. You start to narrow in on an idea and try it out but it gets shaped through trial and error. For Jesse, I had an advantage being from the same area, so I was comfortable.

In the film you had to switch from vulnerable to vicious and back again. Did it have any effect on your psyche?

No. I hear stories of actors not being able to put away the role – but that's never been the case with me.

Talking about the cost of fame, much was made of an incident at the Venice Film Festival when a girl got through security.

Well, I hadn't been accosted by someone like that in some time. But I don't want to change my life because of paranoia.

How much do you long for anonymity?

As far as fame goes, I know the deal and I understand the trade-off. The only time it becomes unmanageable is when it's an assault on the kids.

Do you share and accept criticism from Angelina?

Yeah. In fact I rely on it – she's the best sounding board I have and I value her opinion immensely. Though it pi**es me off sometimes.

What does she think of Jesse James?

She loves the film.

If you could change one thing what would it be?

Nothing. I would accept the way I am.

Behind the scenes

Brad Pitt had it put in his contract that the title of the movie was not to be changed.

Casey Affleck and Shia LaBeouf were shortlisted to play the role of Robert Ford. But Affleck bagged the role as LaBeouf looked too young to play the character.

Garret Dillahunt was originally set to play Affleck's brother due to their striking resemblance, but was replaced by Sam Rockwell as Dillahunt was busy with his TV assignments.