Review of Stranger Than Paradise (1984) by Jordan G — 28 Mar 2014

One of the watermark films that began the Independent movement in the 90's, Stranger than Paradise is a portrait of the mundane world made cool by the aloof characters that inhabit it. The black and white cinematography, by Tom DeCillo, is comprised primarily of static shots which depict any semblance to most people's ideas about "paradise".

Instead we see dreary landscapes of Cleveland, run down apartment flats in NY's west side, a empty movie theater, and a Miami Hotel. This drab aesthetic is a fly in the ointment as far as Hollywood conventions are concerned and people loved it for depicting the boredom of daily life.

The National Film Critics Association picked it as the best picture in 1984 and it went on to make almost 2 and a half million dollars against a 100,000 budget. The key line in this movie is said by Willie's goofy friend Eddie who says, "You know it's funny.

You come to someplace new, and everything looks just the same." This movie stands in opposition to the idea that people need to strive for valiant goals or better their situation or whatever else the media wants us to do.

Similar to Linklater's first film, Slacker, these characters aren't bedazzled or delusional. They're straight-forward and honest about their lifestyles - which many people would judge as repugnant and unfriendly.

No, I think there is a special "dudeness" about these characters which is why I love them. Even if the film is deglamorized and in black and white, part of me longs to spend a day watching TV with these guys, or maybe go to the Horse (not dog) races and try my luck.

This film's got major style, and as the best of them always say, style is everything.