Tommy Lee Jones seeks to avenge his friend’s death in THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA. In addition to directing and producing the film, Jones stars as ranch-hand Pete Perkins. Following the murder of his friend Melquiades Estrada, Pete goes on a one-man quest to find his friend’s killer, and seek justice for Estrada’s death.
The rugged Western landscape, tough guy mantras and vengeful themes encompass THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA, but the essential components of characterization and motivation are lacking in Jones’ latest effort. General sketches are drawn of each of the main players, but little is established as to who Pete, Estrada and Barry Pepper’s Mike really are. The film is told in non-linear fashion, and while some minor revelations occur due to this technique, the story and film as a whole to not benefit from this storytelling choice. Taking into account the title of the picture, I’m not giving anything away by telling you that Estrada’s corpse is transported for much of the film. The means, and mishaps, involved in the trek are both uneasy and awkward. These moments are such a miscalculation by Jones that it’s tough to tell if it is being played as comedy or drama. THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA is on off-beat Western that never quite clicks.
Grade: C
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