The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

⭐ 9.5/10

(Originally written by Tim)

When seeing movies these days I keep wondering how long I will remember a movie, or how often I will think about it after seeing it. This movie burrowed itself into my mind the first time I saw it, and it was a delight to revisit it and find that it is just as great as I thought it was, maybe even better.

This movie is composed of 6 vignettes, all taking place in the old west. They all have a power of their own, but the 5th is the longest and the one that really stood out to me this time. There are clear themes of death in all 6, but each tackles death differently, with the 5th being the most heartbreaking to me. I remember really overlooking the 1st after my first viewing, since it is the goofiest, and I am still unsure how it connects to the others, but its value was much clearer on the rewatch.

The performances across the board are amazing, and like a lot of Coen movies they put together a perfect soundtrack with many original songs. The standout for me this time was Bill Heck, who plays a kind hearted and handsome cowboy in the fifth story. I wish I saw that guy when I look in the mirror, and his bashful and somewhat blubbering dialogue warmed my heart. The Coens find actors who can deliver their lines perfectly, and he crushes it.

The final vignette is the most symbolic, and while I don't have a different read on it this time around, it felt like a perfect ending to the film whereas the first time I was a bit confused. A conversation between 5 people in a stage coach is riveting in a way I wouldn't expect it to be, and feels like a true piece of art coming off the heartbreaking previous story.

The production value is crazy high here too, with stunning sets and wide vistas in the open country. These guys just know how to make a quality flick in every aspect.

I love this movie, and it feels vastly underrated in the Coen's filmography. Highly recommended.