Review of Mystery Train (1989) by Richard C — 06 Sep 2006

Elvis provides the link for these three stories set in Memphis, Tennessee. The first focuses on two avid Japanese Elvis fans, the second on an Italian woman stuck in town after her plane is forced to land and the third (featuring Buscemi) follows a group of locals who run into trouble with the law after a heavy night of drinking.

In my opinion (and I know others disagree with this) it's the first story makes this film worth watching. Sure the other two stories are interesting enough but I found them bland in comparison to the wonderfully engaging juxtaposition presented by the trendy Japanese couple wandering through the dilapidated streets of downtown Memphis. The argumentative nature of the couple brings a slightly surreal air to the preceedings and this is due in part to the stellar performances by Nagase and Kudoh.

Perhaps not Jarmusch's strongest title (and to be honest I find him a little overrated) but it should please his fans and provides a solid entry point for those wishing to seek out more.