"The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" (2018)
Initial thoughts, with a more in-depth write up to come:
The latest film from the Coens, a western anthology, is available now to watch on Netflix. And it might be my favorite movie of the year.
It is reminiscent of their other western “True Grit,” violent but darkly comic, and with thoughtful reflection on life. The six stories range from straight-up comedy to deeply meditative melancholy. And they all deliver commentary on Americana, as any good western should.
Consider the themes of the stories: The sinful nature of man and the difficulty of distinguishing between American heroes and villains. The inescapable consequences of greed and violence. The way we objectify and discard our fellow man. The American drive towards isolationism and independence. The dangers of pragmatism and believing anyone can succeed on the frontiers of society. And the futility of our elaborate opinions on meaning when we all face truth in the end.
In typical Coen fashion, it is a dark film and could be depressing to some. It all depends on what sort of contemplation it triggers.
My current ranking of the individual stories is:
1,2. “All God Valley” and “The Mortal Remains”
3. “The Gal Who Got Rattled”
4. “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”
5. “Meal Ticket”
6. “Near Algodones”
It is reminiscent of their other western “True Grit,” violent but darkly comic, and with thoughtful reflection on life. The six stories range from straight-up comedy to deeply meditative melancholy. And they all deliver commentary on Americana, as any good western should.
Consider the themes of the stories: The sinful nature of man and the difficulty of distinguishing between American heroes and villains. The inescapable consequences of greed and violence. The way we objectify and discard our fellow man. The American drive towards isolationism and independence. The dangers of pragmatism and believing anyone can succeed on the frontiers of society. And the futility of our elaborate opinions on meaning when we all face truth in the end.
In typical Coen fashion, it is a dark film and could be depressing to some. It all depends on what sort of contemplation it triggers.
My current ranking of the individual stories is:
1,2. “All God Valley” and “The Mortal Remains”
3. “The Gal Who Got Rattled”
4. “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”
5. “Meal Ticket”
6. “Near Algodones”
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