Movie Review. Coffee & Cigarettes

More of an experiment than a film, Jim Jarmusch's Coffee & Cigarrettes was filmed over a 17 year span. A few of the segments had been previously released as short films, now they are all brought together under one roof. Together they are 11 vignettes of various actors and musicians having conversations over, what else, cigarettes and coffee. Some are great, some fall a little flat. The end result is an entertaining collection of oddities.

The stars involved include Bill Murray, RZA, GZA, Roberto Benigni, Steven Wright, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, Alfred Molina, Steve Coogan, Jack White, Meg White, and Cate Blanchett. It appears as if Jarmusch tossed the names around and just picked random combinations. The result is strangely entertaining, if at times ultimately pointless. I am not sure what his goal was in presenting these shorts. All the players involved are playing a version of themselves, such that when names are mentioned it is always, except for one case, their real name.

There are a few segments that stick out for their odd combination of performers. One is the initial segment with Steven Wright and Roberto Benigni. The clash of personalities buoys the conversation. Another excellent segment is the one with Iggy Pop and Tom Waits meeting for the first time, so nervous around each other, they engage in some one-upsmanship, like they were on the first date. Alfred Molina's wide-eyed excitement at sharing some news with Steve Coogan is one of the highlights of the entire collection. Molina is excited with his news, while Coogan is coolly dismissive, until a phone call changes the entire dynamic of the meeting. The most memorable would possibly be Bill Murray with GZA and RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. Murray is disguised as a waiter, who is recognized by the hip hop stars, who are star struck repeating his name at all opportunities.

There were also a few that didn't really do much, One featuring the beautiful Renee French enjoying her coffee and leafing through gun magazines, alone, while fending off an overzealous waiter. I was waiting for something, but the scene kept dragging, until it's merciful end. Another empty segment was one featuring Alex Descas and Isaach De Bankole. Two actors I am not familiar with, but the clip just seemed to be there for no reason.

There was also a segment that I expected not to like due to the participants, Jack and Meg White. I have a real dislike for the White Stripes music, no talent junk. Anyway, the segment ended up being kind of funny as they discussed the work of Niklola Tesla, to the point where Jack demonstrates his home built Tesla Coil, with a red wagon as transportation.

The entire film was shot in black and white. It was a good choice, it doesn't allow the color to interfere with the conversations which are the centerpoint. Also black and white could be used as a metaphor for the title, black coffee and white cigarettes. In any case, Jarmusch has given us an interesting experiment, not entirely successful, but entertaining it it's own way.
Recommended.