Jim Jarmusch is overrated!

[ellen_datlow]

I just watched BROKEN FLOWERS and hated it. Once upon a time I thought Jim Jarmusch made some interesting movies. But I realize that I've found more of his movies annoying and pretentious than not. I did like GHOST DOG and STRANGER THAN PARADISE and kind of liked NIGHT TRAIN AND DEAD MAN. But absolutely despised NIGHT ON EARTH. I hadn't been aware that BROKEN FLOWERS was by Jarmusch. If I had, I wouldn't have rented it.

However, I cleansed my palate with DAMN YANKEES starring Tab Hunter (who I always though cute if limited as an actor), Ray Walston, and the great Gwen Verdon. Watching her dance, and sing "Whatever Lola Wants" made me want to cheer.  Before I went to Japan I watched BYE BYE BIRDIE with Ann Margaret, Bobby Rydell (ick), Dick Van Dyke, and Janet Leigh. Also, Jessie Pearson, playing the Elvis like heart throb. Fun.
I enjoy the old musical movies despite their (usually) dated depictions of women.

Comments

[benpeek.livejournal.com]

you know, i really like jaramusch, but even i hated BROKEN FLOWERS. it's almost redeemed by the end, but the fact that i have to sit there for two hours through those painful, trying moments in the film don't put me in any position to like it.

i do, however, like most of his other films--not so big on STRANGER THAN PARADISE--but i dig DOWN BY LAW, DEAD MAN, MYSTERY TRAIN, GHOST DOG, and CIGARETTES AND COFFEE (or is it COFFEE AND CIGARETTES?). NIGHT ON EARTH is a miss for me, though i quite like the russian piece, and the one with roberto bengini.

[jukkahoo.livejournal.com]

The Russian piece? You must mean the Finnish piece, which ends the film. Ahem... :)

[benpeek.livejournal.com]

yeah? it's been years since i saw it. all i remember is a taxi and the cold of the city.

[jukkahoo.livejournal.com]

Yeah. On the other hand, it looks very "Russian" esthetically, so no biggie really. I'm not even sure whether one ought to claim it as Finnish (or more precisely Helsinki, as that's where it happens) since in it this here homecity of mine looks like a veritable... well, sad and lonely place. Lot like in many Kaurismäki Brothers films, to which that episode of the Night On Earth more than owes (a lot). But it's pretty in Summer! :)