Coen Brothers’ 2018 Oscar-Nominated Western Film Scores 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, Gaining Fame from a Viral Meme

The Coen brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs stands as a monumental achievement in 21st-century western cinema. Released through Netflix in 2018, this anthology film presents a diverse array of narratives that explore the complexities of the Old West. Named after its delightful opening segment featuring Tim Blake Nelson as a jovial singing cowboy, the film spans five other stories, each traversing a unique emotional landscape, from lighthearted embraces to profound tragedies.

Among its engaging sequences is a compelling segment where a mismatched cadre of travelers share a bumpy stagecoach ride headed for Fort Morgan, Colorado. Another poignant vignette brings Liam Neeson to the forefront as an aging impresario who exploits a disabled man for financial gain—a narrative that ultimately leads to a grim resolution when the man’s profitability fades. Although The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is celebrated as one of the Coen brothers’ finest works, it has unfortunately been overshadowed by its emergence as a humorously distorted meme.

The “First Time?”Meme and Its Origins

A Prime Example of Gallows Humor

A man on the gallows in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

One of the film’s most recognized contributions to online culture is the “First time?” gallows humor meme. This originates from the second segment titled “Near Algodones,” where James Franco’s character, a hapless bank robber facing execution, stands on the gallows pinioned by a noose. He turns to the man beside him and quips, “First time?” Although rooted in traditional gallows humor, this playful banter starkly juxtaposes the impending doom of hanging—a darkly comedic take on an otherwise grim situation.

While the “First time?” meme has gained immense popularity, it often strips away the original irony and humor present in the film. Instead of merely referencing the source material, it has evolved into a means for fans across various communities to express camaraderie in shared disappointment. For instance, when Matrix enthusiasts discuss a lackluster sequel, Star Wars veterans—who have experienced multiple letdowns—might chime in with “First time?” Similarly, those eagerly awaiting new episodes of The Witcher often find themselves in dialogue with Stranger Things fans, further perpetuating the meme’s usage.

The Legacy of The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Deserving a More Honorable Legacy

Ultimately, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs embodies far more than a meme-generating narrative; it tells six compelling stories that weave the ethos of the American frontier with an unparalleled cinematic tone. Despite the film’s artistry, its reputation has been overshadowed by its status as a meme template, whereas other cult classics like Toy Story 2 or Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory are recognized for their multifaceted legacies. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs richly deserves recognition beyond internet culture and should be celebrated for its storytelling and artistic ingenuity.

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