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Epic Films, Oscar Buzzzzz

The loooong shot: Casey Affleck in the 160-minute "Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford." (By Kimberley French -- Warner Bros. Pictures)

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Why So Long?: Johnny, haven't you had enough screen time this year? The last "Pirates of the Caribbean" lasted 168 minutes, and now this? Some time should have been shaved off in Tim Burton's cutting room.

"LUST, CAUTION"

Running Time:157 minutes

The Gist: An erotic espionage thriller by director Ang Lee ("Brokeback Mountain") set in World War II China. In theaters.

Why So Long?: Stamina.

"AMERICAN GANGSTER"

Running Time:157 minutes

The Gist: Russell Crowe plays a cop trying to take down a big-time heroin dealer (Denzel Washington). Opens Nov. 2.

Why So Long?: With director Ridley Scott's rap sheet of inflated epics ("Gladiator," 155 minutes and "Black Hawk Down," 144 minutes), we should have realized his war on drugs would also be criminally long.

"INTO THE WILD"

Running Time:140 minutes

The Gist: A young adventurer (Emile Hirsch) travels to Alaska; based on a true story, directed by Sean Penn. In theaters.

Why So Long?: Starvation is a slow death, people. You know, as opposed to being eaten by a bear. (See 2005's "Grizzly Man," which clocked in at a more manageable 103 minutes.)

-- Rachel Beckman

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