Coffee And Cigarettes

***

Reviewed by: David Haviland

Coffee And Cigarettes
""

Jim Jarmusch's latest is a series of short films rather than a feature, with each short a distinct unit involving two or three characters chatting over, and about, coffee and cigarettes.

It sounds dull and yet perversely this is Jarmusch's most entertaining film to date; although admittedly that isn't saying much. Many of the scenes are overtly quirky, or slow, but a number stand out.

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In one, we see Cate Blanchett, as herself, having coffee with her surly, Goth cousin (also played by Blanchett). Cate clearly wants to connect and be liked, but the baggage of being famous gets in the way and it's clear the cousin resents being kept at arm's length.

In another, Alfred Molina invites Steve Coogan for tea (again as themselves) and reveals that he's discovered the pair are distant relatives. Coogan clearly thinks this is a bit weird, until a phone call changes the whole balance of the scene.

To reveal any more would spoil things, but these two scenes are worth the price of admission alone.

Reviewed on: 23 Oct 2004
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Coffee And Cigarettes packshot
Series of sketches based around coffee and cigarettes, featuring a collection of the great and the good from the indie side of Hollywood.
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Read more Coffee And Cigarettes reviews:

David Stanners ***1/2

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Writer: Jim Jarmusch

Starring: Roberto Benigni. Steven Wright, Joie Lee, Cinque Lee, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, Cate Blanchett, Meg White, Jack White, Alfred Molina, Steve Coogan, GZA, RZA, Bill Murray

Year: 2003

Runtime: 96 minutes

Country: US

Festivals:

EIFF 2004

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