I love this film, this is how life really is- humor, tragedy,etc.
Incorporates the reality and myths of the Old West. We listen to an oldtimer describe events which may or may not be true or exagerrated. Much as we would today listen to our grandparents recounting events in their youth-real or imagined.
History done as dark comedy because life is full of irony.
The stages Hoffman goes through-religion, merchant, gunfighter, scout, indian,drunkard etc. provide a glimpse into life then with the realities of how life was in the background.
Brillant film on so many levels. I read the book and this is superior to the novel.