New Jersey Stage 2016: Issue 12 | Page 21

In other parts of the world, everyday existence is applauded, and in this context, Jim Jarmusch’s latest movie - the story of a bus driver whose biggest dramatic moments involve his dog being mischievous and his vehicle breaking down - has more in common with the cinema of Iran or Japan. Clearly this is self-conscious on Jarmusch’s part, as he casts Iran’s Golshifteh Farahani and Japan’s Masatoshi Nagase (outstanding in this year’s Sweet Bean) in roles here. The title refers to both the film’s setting, the town of Paterson, New Jersey, and its protagonist, Paterson (Adam Driver), a mildmannered bus driver whose daily routine consists of driving his coach around the streets of the very definition of Everytown, USA, writing poetry on his lunch break, eating dinner with his adorable and ambitious Iranian wife Laura (Farahani), and hitting a local bar for a pint while out for an evening stroll with his dog (Palm Dog winner Nellie). Watch the trailer for Paterson NJ STAGE 2016 - ISSUE 12 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 21