Review: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen

Starring: Tim Blake Nelson, Tyne Daly, James Franco, Brendan Gleeson, Zoe Kazan, Liam Neeson, Tom Waits.

The plot follows 6 stories that take place in the American Frontier.

Joel and Ethan Coen are among my favorite directors of all time. Their unique, yet entertaining films have always captivated me, with some of my favorites being No Country for Old Men, The Big Lebowski, and Fargo. Recently, I decided to watch their Netflix anthology film, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, and I have to say it was pretty good!

The plots were good and unique, but I have to say that you'll definitely enjoy some stories more than others. I personally I liked all of them. Each have their own unique style but doesn't differentiate from the Coen brothers charm of well-written black drama and humor. The performances were great, I especially loved Tim Blake Nelson's and Jonjo O'Neill's performances in the film. With the movie being over 2 hours long, and being 6 separate stories, I found the shift in pacing and tone between stories a bit problematic and extreme, but it shouldn't stop you from enjoying this film.

The visuals are fantastic, and the cinematography phenomenal. Words cannot express, how beautiful this film is, and while it isn't Roger Deakins (who is a known collaborator with the Coen brothers), I know Roger Deakins would be damn proud over the stunning cinematography that Bruno Delbonnel has displayed. The costumes and production design are great and really immerse me into it's wild west setting. I love the elements of the stereotypical wild west setting as well, which is showcased through the stories, from bank robberies, to gun-slinging, to gold-digging and to conflicts with the Native Americans. The music is pretty good as well.

In conclusion, another great film by the Coen brothers. It was fun, enjoying, well-written, dark, funny, basically all of the elements that make up a Coen brothers film. Definitely recommend it, especially if you like the Coen brother's style of film-making.

My rating: 8.5/10

#FilmReview #2018