Note: This Special Edition Blu-ray release will be available on November 15th courtesy of Arrow Video.
Over the years, independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch (Down By Law, Mystery Train, Dead Man, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Broken Flowers and Only Lovers Left Alive) has told all sorts of wild and interesting stories and taken part in some unique cinematic experiments. One of his most unusual efforts is Coffee and Cigarettes, a series of vignettes featuring actors and musicians getting together and engaging in awkward conversation while sipping and smoking.
Amazingly, the movie was made over a period of 17 years, with each of the 11 segments having been shot over a day (or in one case, two days). Essentially, whenever the director had the persons available and the opportunity. It’s literally chock full of famous faces who appear to be improvising much of the time. Olive Films have just released a new Blu-ray of the feature.
It’s almost like overhearing various conversations in coffee shops, albeit about some pretty odd and existential subjects. There are repeated themes as well as names that come up more than once, including Nikola Tesla. Additionally, the performers frequently suggest how horrible a habit smoking and coffee drinking is. There’s always an overhead angle on the table as well, but overall the show carries a very loose and unrehearsed feel. In fact, it comes across as an experimental art film in which the actors freeform for a few minutes before the feature suddenly moves on to others.
Due to the format of the movie and the constantly shifting focus, some segments work much better than others, at least from my perspective. Given that the various elements were compiled over a period of many years, the vignettes get a little sharper and more focused as movie progresses. That isn’t to say that there aren’t some amusing moments early on.
In the first bit, Roberto Benigni and Steven Wright look caffeine-addled, jumpy and share a surreal conversation that doesn’t make much sense, but results in a chuckle. It seem as if early on in the process, no one was quite sure of what they were attempting. There’s another good bit between two friends (Alex Descas and Isaach de Bankole). One initially believes he’s meeting over a serious issue, but finds that his pal doesn’t really have much to say. It all kind of devolves into confusion and some low-key laughs.
As the movie continues, the segments begin taking on more specific ideas and shapes. There’s an impressive one featuring Cate Blanchett playing two roles and having a conversation with herself. Bill Murray joins The GZA and RZA for a fun scene as the pair try to help Murray understand that tea is a healthier option than drinking out of a coffee pot. The film’s highlight is its longest vignette featuring Alfred Molina and Steve Coogan. Molina is eager to meet with Coogan to discuss a personal matter, but is horribly patronized by his companion. However, by the end of the conversation the tables have turned. It’s the funniest segment in the feature.
The image quality varies throughout, as these bits were done on the fly and over a long period of time. However, it looks much sharper in high definition and the clarity really adds to the experience. The black and white photography looks great and one can see all the little nuances of unease and discomfort on the performer’s faces. The disc also comes with a trailer and a choppy but amusing interview piece with Taylor Mead, who appears in the final segment.
If you’re a fan of this director or experimental art films with a humorous slant, Coffee and Cigarettes will fit the bill. It doesn’t all work, but it’s always interesting and the movie’s later highlights make it a worthwhile endeavor.