Review of Mystery Train (1989) by Brian H — 07 Aug 2010

A denizen's-level view of Memphis and the allure of Elvis that is more anemic than romantic. Jermusch has created some of the most engagingly off-beat views of Americana but this needed a shot of Gerital and a double-dose of Viagra. At some point the lethargic presentation of character is just boring rather than ironic.

The premise of each vignette possessed enough humor and grit to keep the film from being a total wash but even the most dour view the American myth deserves more verve and vivacity than this. The strength of this movie lies in the viewer's patience and the final montage. Artistically there is so much in this film -- clarity, heritage and deserved homage -- that I just wish the silences had been more deliberate and the acting more inspired.