Jones lassos a tale of trust and honor in the Wild West

“The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” is an unusual Western tale of trust, honor and poetic justice. In a fine directorial debut, Tommy Lee Jones also plays the lead role of rancher Pete Perkins.

Jones is in familiar character as a tough-minded modern cowboy running a cattle operation in a gritty southern Texas town. Barry Pepper, Melissa Leo and Dwight Yoakam are outstanding in supporting roles.

The town’s proximity to the Mexican border provides for ample contact between law enforcement and the many illegal immigrants working the harsh land. In a regrettable shooting incident, a rookie Border Patrol officer kills Estrada, a hired hand who is also Perkins’ best friend. When the local sheriff makes it clear that he will not investigate the death, Perkins takes matters into his own hands.

The ensuing tale of revenge and redemption has twists and turns that take it to a philosophical level not usually found in the genre. It has the sparse feel and look of Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven.”

The offbeat screenplay, however, also adds a good measure of humor, irony and droll wit to the story. Unexpected sexual connections and strange flukes are reminiscent of the Joel and Ethan Coen darkly funny films.

Let’s call it cowboy noir ? it’s not for everyone, but it will definitely entertain and amuse the right audience. You know who you are.