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

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

I liked Murray a lot in Lost in Translation but he doesn't have much range. Part of what I couldn't get my head around is the lack of charisma and sexiness for a supposed "Don Juan"--his deep depressiveness throughout the entire film just turned me off from the first scene. Maybe he was a bit livelier tweny years earlier but you couldn't prove it by the depiction of his latter days.