Jim Jarmusch is probably the most interesting filmmaker working today.  Though his movies never really have a distinct style or like plots, all of his works manage to somehow seem similar, as if all of the characters he creates are living in one, giant Jarmusch universe, much like Kevin Smith's.  The thing is, though, whereas Smith will have two characters from two different movies reference each other, Jarmusch does not.  It's through the dialogue and character interactions that Jarmusch's characters are linked together.

Such is the case with "Broken Flowers," a sort of noir/comedy/drama mish-mash; a film that covers so many areas, that there really hasn't been such a genre bending movie since Jarmusch's earlier (and best) film, "Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai."  And, just like "Ghost Dog," "Broken Flowers" is so shockingly original that any film buff can't help but enjoy it.  Not to mention, Bill Murray is in his prime here, as he has been in all of his recent starring roles ("Garfield" excluded).

The story deals with one Don Johnston (that's Johnston), a Don Juan character who has many various love interests and affairs.  So many, in fact, that he has trouble remembering certain names.  One day, though, this all changes for the lonely bachelor: he recieves an un-signed letter in the mail alerting him to the fact that he has a 19 year-old son that is out looking for him.

Enter one of the most memorable characters of the movie: Johnston's neighbor, Winston (Jeffrey Wright), an aspriring crime novelist who becomes very interested in his friend's letter.  In no time, Winston compiles a list of five possible mothers to Murray's son.  Not only that, but he finds the addresses of the women and sets up rental cars and hotel reservations for Johnston, so he may go on a road trip to find his son's mystery mother.

This is the set-up.  The rest relies soley on two things: Murray's excellent performance and Jarmusch's out-of-this-world yet wholly believable script.  Now, I realize that this is not a movie for everyone.  There are some slow parts and there are some truly bizarre parts.  But (and not to get too personal here) there is something to "Broken Flowers" that I could truly connect to.  

I saw this film the night after having a very poignant half joking/half serious conversation with a friend of mine, and I'm sure that that convo fed into my liking of this movie.  Now, I don't have any children out there, but let's just say that I would never need to make an autobiography of myself out of fear of lawsuits of plagairism from Jarmusch.

If this were some wacky romantic comedy, Don Johnston would be a clown, wandering place to place to meet his wacky ex-girlfriends and getting into some wacky situations.  Fortunately for us, Johnston is not some lucky lady killer.  Instead, he is a tragic character.  His humor is dry and when he's saddened, he doesn't have to say so.  The look on his face says it all.  A scene within a graveyard is specifically haunting as Murray, one of the finest comedic performers of the 80's and 90's, cries so quietly and with such warmth that you can't help but feel sorrow.

"Broken Flowers" was my pick for third best film of 2005, and it is a shame that 1.) not too many people saw it and 2.) it seems that neither Jarmusch's script or Murray's and Wright's performances are being considered for an Oscar nod.  The second problem probably won't be solved.  The first one can be.

Maybe not a purchase, but I highly suggest to everyone that they at least rent this one.  It would be a real shame that original films like this one, ones that can make you laugh, cry, and re-evaluate yourself, are forgotten so soon.  Not to mention, this one packs one of the grooviest soundtracks ever put to film.  Buy the CD; it makes for great driving music.

Movie: **** out of ****

DVD Extras: *** out of ****

The special features on this one are worthwhile, though there isn't much to get through.  The outtakes are mostly all Murray and the Behind-The-Scenes is an interesting short that consists mostly of grainy stock footage of a barn used for filming with an audio interview with Jarmusch playing in the background.  The extended scene, on the other hand, is just sort of odd.  A decent package, though this is Focus Features... so a 2-Disc double-dip is probably not out of the question.

Wow, thanks for this, SyCo.  I saw this on the plane home from London (without the extras of course).  I truly appreciated the style of filmmaking.  The road shots were lovely.  I smiled every time Bill's character put in the cd Winston made him.  This was so touching a movie.  I would probably rent it and see it again, but that ending was a little unsatisfactory for me.  I mean, I kind of didn't see it coming.  It just kind of...cut off.  My opinion though was that this was indeed an excellent film and excellent subject matter.  

Good post, you.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, and, as far as the ending is concerned, I thought it was a bit abrupt too when I saw it in theaters.  After thinking about it for a while (and re-watching it), I realize that the ending is actually quite good.  While there is not very good closure, the viewer is left to make their own ending, something that I very much appreciated.

About broken Flowers, I actually enjoyed this movie and i think Bill does an excelent job in this. To anyone who hasn't seen this please check it out, it's better than you'd expect.