Coffee and Cigarettes

2003. Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. Starring Cate Blanchett, Alfred Molina, Tom Waits, Bill Murray, Steve Buscemi, Steven Wright, Roberto Benigni, Joseph Rigano, Steve Coogan, RZA, Joie Lee, Jack White, Meg White, Iggy Pop.

Coffee and Cigarettes is a mildly amusing series of vignettes of people meeting over coffee and cigarettes. Each actor, playing a variation of their self, appears for their ten minute (or so) segment and then is gone. Most, if not all, of the meetings are the awkward conversations of new or mild friendships, relationships withered through the years, or the appearance of a waiter who tries to spark conversation with usually less than interested customers. All segments are good, none are exceptional. Though Cate Blanchett does amazing work in a dual role, playing both herself and her cousin - I didn't even figure out she was also playing the cousin until watching the interview with Taylor Mead on the bonus features. I enjoyed the film, and if you are a Jarmusch fan or interested in those awkward moments where people try to get by with polite conversation when they'd really rather not be there in the first place, then you should check it out. Otherwise, you'll be fine without.

My grade: B-