Review of Coffee and Cigarettes (2004) by Brando — 03 Aug 2008

This movie was my first exposure to the work of Jim Jarmusch. If his other films are as interesting as this, I will be collecting the rest of them for sure. People who are thinking of watching this movie must realize one thing: it is definitely not for everyone.

A lot of people I have spoken to can't stand movies that don't have an relatively easy storyline and a "twist" ending. This movie is nothing like the mainstream films released on a weekly basis in your local cineplex.

There is no singular storyline leading up to some great climax. This film is a collection of eleven shorts featuring celebrities sitting down over a pot of coffee (or tea, in some cases) and chatting.

While it doesn't sound like much, this movie is actually more fun than it seems. Jarmusch paired together some celebrities that feel almost like exact opposites. For instance, the slow-speaking, soft-spoken comedian Steven Wright and the hyped-up exuberant Robert Benigni.

It did drag during some segments, but never enough for me to lose interest. Everyone is bound to find a segment that they really love in this movie. My personal favorite was the scene between Alfred Molina and Steve Coogan, where Molina gushes like an obsessive fanboy to an indifferent Coogan before the tables are turned.

I am sure there is something for everyone in this movie. Unfortunately, I think most people will pass by this movie feeling that it has no point or meaning. The fun of this movie is merely watching the interactions between the people, whether they be amusing, uncomfortable, etc.