Review of Paterson (2016) by Kapten V — 22 Jan 2017

It isn't too common that I'll see a movie that is imperfect but still has a noticeable impact on me. It isn't like Paterson follows a traditional narrative or arc or is loud and memorable just because of brashness; it's that Paterson is a kind and quiet celebration of everyday life.

Its slow pacing matched with a runtime just shy of two hours does make the last 20 minutes or so have less mystique than what preceded it, but the movie is enjoyable and well observed, and Driver is great.

In terms of plot, there isn't really one. Adam Driver is a bus driver named Paterson in the city of Paterson, New Jersey (how many fun coincidences can you fit into a sentence?) and the movie follows him for a week as he goes about his routines, lives with his dreamer of a wife (Golshifteh Farahani), and writes poems in his notebook.

That's about it, and it all rings true. This is within Jim Jarmusch's wheelhouse and his capturing everyday life with a sense of appreciation for its peacefulness and occasional spontaneity. The way in which he captures Paterson's life in repeatedly used shots and a static look to it, matched with the superimposition of images and voiceover narration when Paterson is writing a poem, convey his peace of mind and also lets us feel the gears of creativity turning within his head.

The original score from Carter Logan contributes the film's relaxed vibe, and Driver captures the character's emotions very well. Whereas a character like this could have been stoic and blank in a boring, shallow way, he maintains his composure throughout the film while letting us see tinges of emotion throughout.

Sadness, curiosity, and happiness are visible below the surface. There isn't much to say about Paterson given that it thankfully subscribes to the idea that less is more--generally speaking, that is.

This was never likely to be a film with much rewatch value, which is fine since not all movies are like that, but the pacing is consistently slow and rather one-note that the last 20 minutes or so begin to drag a little bit.

I became aware of my lessening appreciation for seeing everyday life unfold, which was at odds with the movie's mantra. "I wonder want time I'll get home after this movie. Actually, how much is left?" Regardless, Paterson is a nice movie not just in the way that it's pleasant, but it's kind, knowing that it doesn't need to inject an edge of sense of condescension in order to maintain audience interest for a majority of the film.

7.9/10, good, B+, above average, etc.