Review of Stranger Than Paradise (1984) by Al M — 10 Aug 2010
Jarmusch's second film, Stranger than Paradise is even more difficult to describe than his other work. An understated, minimalist, deadpan comedy about three aimless individuals trying to find at least some semblance of entertainment and contentment in a postmodern urban landscape.
As one of the characters states, New York looks just like Cleveland--the effects of postmodern urbanization have rendered all the world the same. In fact, one of the characters even asked whether Cleveland looks a little like Budapest.
Against this monotonous, monochrome background, the trio attempt to hash out some meaningful existence through their trips, but ultimately the world proves to be the same everywhere. It is a hilarious, yet rather bleak, portrayal of identity in the contemporary world, and it quietly presages the truly brilliant nature of Jarmusch's later films.
This review of Stranger Than Paradise (1984) was written by Al M on 10 Aug 2010.
Stranger Than Paradise has generally received very positive reviews.
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