Michael's Movie Grade: A-
Another great film from director/writer Jim Jarmusch.
Jim Jarmusch's films are very much an acquired taste. Luckily, they are a taste that I acquired. Rather than focus on big, larger than life stories and dramatic twists, Jarmusch's movies often focus more on the small everyday moments that may seem mundane to us. With a lesser filmmaker such an approach to filmmaking would come off as simply boring. However, Jarmusch is a great observer of human nature, who notices all the little things that we might miss. Because of this for Jarmusch fans, his films help us see the beauty and the drama in the things we take for granted.
His new film is a perfect example of this. The movie tells three different stories each revolving around the theme of family members reuniting after not seeing each other for a long time. These are not your typical movie stories with huge obstacles, big climaxes or any sort of resolutions. Instead, they are very observant meditations on family. They capture all the little moments that come when we see those we haven't seen in a long time. These include the difficultness of starting conversations, the awkward silences, the constant offering of beverages and food, the exaggerating of the truth to make your life seem better and the car ride around a place that has greatly changed over the years. All of these are captured so perfectly that the film feels incredibly real to us. Though the movie may be dialogue heavy, like all of Jarmusch's films the dialogue is excellently written. It is very intelligent and insightful but at the same time so completely natural and real. The movie also benefits from a stellar cast that includes Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Sarah Greene, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat, who all give great performances here.
While this won't make fans of those who don't like Jarmusch's signature style, it will absolutely delight fans of the director/writer.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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