Mystery Train (1989)
8/10
Two days early
14 June 2010
This is the third film by Jarmusch that I watch(the others being Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and Night on Earth). He is very interesting, and clearly not into putting out something mainstream. Cultural differences, superficiality and relationships are explored. Editing and cinematography(with long takes and often little movement to the camera) are subtle and remain hidden; not manipulating us, merely objectively showing the events, not judging. The focus is on the characters, all of them well-written and credible. In Memphis, we meet two Japanese tourists(a lot of truth about how people behave when visiting other countries), an Italian woman and a couple of people who live there. It's worth noting how much they talk about pop culture; arguing if Elvis or Perkins was better, what old television show they like, and other superficial things. The thing is not that these people have no problems, or that they don't, at least deep down, realize this; it's that they don't feel like they can solve them, and maybe even admitting that they're there seems like it will just make it hurt more. They are all very human and you can relate to them. This consists of three stories, connected by a couple of things. The humor is great, very discreet. I especially enjoyed Steve... well, Buscemying. Noonan is amazing, as well. The acting is spot-on for most, really. Dialog is important in this; what is said and what isn't. There is a bit of strong language and one sex scene(no nudity, not graphic, mainly moaning and movement) in this. I recommend this to every fan of dramas who do not need visual tricks to sustain their attention. 8/10
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