Coffee and Cigarettes (2003)

Coffee and Cigarettes is a fond celebration of casual conversation and minor vices, and despite the fact that it takes place all over the country, it has a distinctly New York vibe. While the collection of vignettes offers a few great pleasures, in the context of Jim Jarmusch's oeuvre, it is slight. Things get off to a bumpy start with Stephen Wright trying to work some standup into a forced encounter with a surprisingly low-key Roberto Benigni. Then Steve Buscemi does a bad Southern accent, and the charismatic Tom Waits pretends to be a doctor to impress Iggy Pop. The black-and-white images are appealing, but there's a general sense of pointless goofing in these early sequences. The film doesn't begin to hit its stride until about 30 minutes in, when actors Isaach de Bankolé and Alex Descas meet for a prolonged misunderstanding. The film's strongest segment, funny and surprisingly trenchant, features the redoubtable Cate Blanchett in a dual role as a Hollywood actress and her ne'er-do-well cousin. Another wonderfully acted segment covers similar territory, as a daft Alfred Molina forces the hilariously blasé Steve Coogan to navigate the hierarchy of showbiz success. Coogan's mere pronunciation of the words "Boogie Nights" is worth the price of admission. Jarmusch's project started as an emptily hip short film commissioned by Saturday Night Live, but by the time it ends, with a burst of nostalgic melancholy featuring Taylor Mead and Bill Rice, it has successfully transcended its origins. As it breezes through the touchstones of the filmmaker's career, Coffee and Cigarettes is a must-see for the filmmaker's fans. Others should find it a pleasant and amusing way to pass a little time in good company. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide