Fridae

Film connoisseurs don't need this, but for everyone else, here's
a quick introduction to cult writer-director Jim Jarmusch: Jim burst
upon the scene in 1984 when his second film Stranger Than Paradise
was shown in Cannes Film Festival to wide acclaim, winning the prestigious
Camera D'Or prize. Its desolate settings, oddball characters and
very droll humour left mainstream audiences in the cold, but movie
geeks swear by it.

Only two of his films have been shown theatrically in Singapore,
Dead Man (1995) and Coffee & Cigarettes (2003).
Both performed poorly at the box-office and it looks like his latest,
Broken Flowers, will do the same. But, if you're always
open to new cinematic experiences, we strongly strongly urge you
to see this quiet gem.

Broken Flowers stars Bill Murray as an old and jaded Casanova
who has had so many love affairs in his past, he can no longer get
excited about women — or life itself. But when he receives
an anonymous letter telling him he has a 19-year-old bastard child,
Bill embarks on a journey to visit his ex-girlfriends to find out
who wrote the letter.

And what stunning ex-girlfriends (and actresses) they are: Sharon
Stone, Tilda Swinton, Jessica Lange and Frances Conroy. All these
women have settled down and found their peace of mind — leaving
Bill as the only one who's still drifting and desperately searching
for answers.

Bill's performance is effectively droll and deadpan, while all
the actresses shine brilliantly in their strange roles. The film
has moments so still and poised, they could tip into either comedy
or tragedy. Broken Flowers was a sensation at last year's
Cannes Film Festival, winning the Grand Prize and rave reviews.
It will also win you over; if you're the sort who appreciates
sardonic humor, understated acting and existential themes.