Mystery Train

After the minimalist early film Stranger Than Paradise, which I was not a huge fan of, Mystery Train once again rehabilitated Jarmusch for me. It's his traditional style with a slow narrative pace, seemingly fragmented structure of several parallel unfolding human destinies, with somewhat peculiar characters who are characterized by minor or major personality quirks, and their life stories intersect at a sleepy dilapidated motel with a pair of bizarre employees. As usual, Jarmusch takes aim at the values of American society and the so-called American dream, full of consumerist gloss. His characters are either absolute losers or foreign visitors who usually lose their illusions when confronted with the American reality. Elvis Presley plays a special role as a symbol of American pop culture. The film scores points with its atmosphere, subtle jokes, interesting casting, and the performances of the actors. Overall impression: 80%. (22/07/2009)

In Stranger Than Paradise I enjoyed his legendary song, and in Mystery Train I was entertained by Screamin' Jay Hawkins in the irresistible role of a hotelier who one night discovers that he likes Japanese plums. Jim Jarmusch once again earns points, and it is impossible to decide which of the stories is better or, heaven forbid, the best. In the end, to be fair, the film itself, Memphis, the music and the legends at every turn win out. You know, when the ghost of Elvis himself is (presumably) involved in something, then it's hard to find a rating lower than five stars. (08/06/2013)

Jim Jarmusch is a very specific filmmaker and his film may not suit everyone. This film is more conversational, a little philosophical, like all of Jarmusch's other films, but here I felt like there really wasn't much going on. However, the film had some good scenes and, most importantly, enjoyable performances. (28/03/2018)