Review of Stranger Than Paradise (1984) by Jesse L — 31 Jul 2004
(DVD) (First Viewing, 1st Jarmusch film).
Nothingness raised to an artform. Filmed in an hyper-minimalist style, Jim Jarmusch almost single-handedly transformed the American indie scene.
And what he created is the closest thing I've ever seen to a French New Wave film made on American soil. Two guys and a girl vaguely interact ([b]Band of Outsiders[/b], anyone?), set out on a roadtrip, and find that life is as bleak in New York as it is in Cleveland as it is in Florida. It's not a pretty picture, though cinematographer Tom DiCillo does find an austere beauty in the tawdry apartments and washed-out, snow-covered landscapes.
The grainy black and white look is perfect, the minimalist, discordant soundtrack (composed by John Laurie, one of the actors) is just as good.
A masterpiece, and one that defies both words and labels.
This review of Stranger Than Paradise (1984) was written by Jesse L on 31 Jul 2004.
Stranger Than Paradise has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
