"You have blue eyes, I have blue eyes."

Thursday was a big day in film for me, for two reasons. The first reason is that it was the first time I've ever gone to see a film at the cinema by myself. I used to vow that I would never go see a movie by myself. And then I started to think, "well, if it came down to it, I guess I would live." But I've always had people to go to movies with. More recently, however, in this state of melancholy I've been soaked in, I've actually been looking forward to the possibility of seeing a movie by myself. I wasn't going to set out to do it, though. It wasn't that important. But thursday, that time came. And I profusely enjoyed the experience.

The second reason is that I saw the best movie of the year so far. Loads of fantastic movies have come out this year. Once, Sunshine, La Vie en Rose, Ratatouille, Michael Clayton, 3:10 to Yuma, The Namesake, Gone Baby Gone, Paris Je T'Aime, Into the Wild, and Hot Fuzz to name a few. But almost easily (almost easily because Once is about neck and neck with it), The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is the best film of the year so far and immediately one of my all-time favorite movies.

While it's not for everyone, with a running time of two hours and forty minutes and not too much in terms of "excitement," the beauty of this film is undeniable. Every frame is packed with bold melancholy in the colors, in the details, in the performances, in the music. The music is amazing. Nick Cave & Warren Ellis composed a score that fits the film perfectly. The cinematography also is stunning.

Casey Affleck demands an Oscar for his performance. His part is just as big, if not bigger, than Brad Pitt's, but for studio-political purposes, they will pursue a Supporting Actor nod for Affleck. And he deserves more than just a nomination. I'd like to see him pull two nominations this year, Best Actor for Gone Baby Gone and a Best Supporting Actor win for this movie. And no, this isn't because we look alike. It's because he has proved to be an amazing actor. But I must admit to being proud of my famous twin.

Brad Pitt gives one of his best performances ever. I put his turn in this movie right there with 12 Monkeys (for which he received his only Oscar nomination to date) and Babel (for which he should've received his second). I hope they give credit where it is due this year.

The supporting cast is large but great. The acting that Mary-Louise Parker does with just her face is mesmerizing. With but a few lines, she delivers a very memorable performance.

I can't stop thinking about this movie.