Review of Coffee and Cigarettes (2004) by Jay B — 06 Mar 2010

Jim Jarmusch's series of vignettes that all have coffee and cigarettes in common, but differ due to the subtext beneath the superficiality of the simple act of caffeine and nicotine intake. However, there is one with the absence of either showing how the effects may be somewhat psychological.

Sure this combination is known for the stimulation of an individual, but what is it about the practice that sometimes may bring about issues that you never saw coming your way?

The acting is generally quite good in this film, but I was particularly drawn to the vignette featuring Tom Waits and Iggy Pop. Their natural ability shines with all of their intrepid actions and insights, and their ability to just be themselves which is a quality so vital for an actor regardless of character work, and always much more effective to the viewing eye. Interesting how these two are both musicians, not actors, but excel in the field nevertheless. Just about everything Tom Waits has to offer is valid to film, music, and whatever else he is involved with.

The straight cinematography and continuous shots of the coffee being poured into cups on a smoke covered table with the presence of numerous ashes seems to tie into the various character internal and external conflicts which I found to be interesting as well.