Friday Flicks: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

One of Netflix's more adventurous originals, I watched the Ballad of Buster Scruggs out of pure curiosity. I love historical fiction and costume dramas so I figured, "Why not? I've got nothing better to do." Well, I am happy to report back that I was pleasantly surprised at how good this movie was. An intriguing collection of stories played out by a stellar cast in an almost mythical setting makes this movie a true diamond in the rough.

Acting: 10/10

The entire ensemble in this movie was captivating, but the most impressive to me was the vignette starring Liam Neeson and Harry Melling. The two hardly speak to each other, but through their actions and facial expression we are able to follow the stomach turning scene with perfect clarity. 

+2 points for TIm Blake Nelson as the titular character. He lights up the screen with his "fancy white duds and pleasant demeanor"

Costuming: 10/10

The costuming is amazing! James Franco and other headlining stars are completely unrecognizable in their cowboy duds. It would have been easy for costumers to turn the characters into the glorified versions of themselves that we would see in older movies about the period. Picture Robert Redford and Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or Clint Eastwood in any of his spaghetti westerns. I for one very much appreciate the costumers attention to historical accuracy, all the way down to the sunburned faces and rotten teeth.

Setting: 10/10 Every vignette takes place in some of the most breathtaking scenes of nature. Whether its the snow covered mountain ranges, the serenity of empty desert valleys, or the golden glow of great plains, every story takes place in a setting as beautiful as the stories themselves.

Soundtrack: 10/10

I feel personally attacked by the fact that "When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings" didn't win the Oscar for Best Original Song. No offense to Cooper and Gaga, but this song is so much better than "Shallow". Sure it's a simple song with an age old message, but it captures the essence of the entire movie right there in the beginning. Not to mention the way that Nelson and Watson's voice go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Final Score 11/10

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a great movie, with a little something for everyone.  Humor, romance, tragedy, and even a little horror, anyone can find something to love about this movie. It's a classic western, without the flash and more of the human stories that make these stories set in 19th century America ageless.