Broken flowers are at least still flowers - flawed but potentially still beautiful. Much the same goes for this Jim Jarmusch film, written expressly for actor Bill Murray. While Jarmusch's execution is masterly, the premise of the film is somewhat contrived - at least at first glance. Was Bill Murray really a 'Don Juan' figure twenty years ago? Even 30 years ago, when he was 'live' every Saturday night, this would be a specious claim at best. Hold this script in storage for (say) Antonio Banderas in two decades and I might buy it. Overkill on this concept quickly sets in having Murray watching a black and white film of "Don Juan" in his very first scene. And his character's first name? Don. But accepting Murray (if we must) as a Lothario, the film contrives to send him on a 'road trip' to find out if he has a son, despite a pink letter saying that the son would likely be coming to find HIM. And did I mention that his best friend and neighbor Winston is a part-time detective who spurns on Don's investigation of his parental status, complete with directions on what clues to look for and maps to the (star's) homes? Okay - all of the above is broken - flawed. But the film that embraces this premise is beautiful and sweet. Sometimes achingly so. Jarmusch is the Sam Beckett of screen writing and the pauses are telling. Murray is much better here on his home turf than negotiating alienation in Tokyo in LOST IN TRANSLATION. Here it is only himself that he must face - by encounters with his past. The performances here are first rate, including the women he must confront -stars Frances Conroy, Sharon Stone, Jessica Lange and Tilda Swinton. Filmgoers looking for Murray's trademark quips and a quick pace will be disappointed here. His stillness is what is telling. While in no need of a translation, Don is still quite lost. For those who require a pat ending, this film will also disappoint. That is, unless one ponders the less obvious theories about the origins of the pink letter. This is one of those rare but wonderful films that is almost more interesting on the drive home.
Review of Broken Flowers
