Jack Salmela

Gun-slingers, wagon trains, bank robberies, and gold prospecting are just some of the themes in the film, Ballad of Buster Scruggs, a collection of six tales of the American frontier. There are stark surprises, and moments that range from the hilarious to utter heart break. There’s even a phantom-like wagon coach driver who drops off five passengers at a ghostly hotel. For any twist in plot to be effective, it must be carried by good acting. And done well enough, words may not even be needed. The eyes of a disabled orator reveal grave suspicion as his manager, played by Liam Neeson, swaggers forth with a sinister plan for their traveling road show. Yet, it’s the film’s namesake who first let’s you know what a treat the film will be. Shortly after the unarmed balladeer dispatches his would be killer at a card table, he entertains the joyous, foot-stomping saloon patrons before a new kid comes to town.