Coffee And Cigarettes

Jim Jarmusch's latest is a series of short films rather than a feature, with each short a distinct unit involving two or three characters chatting over, and about, coffee and cigarettes.

It sounds dull and yet perversely this is Jarmusch's most entertaining film to date; although admittedly that isn't saying much. Many of the scenes are overtly quirky, or slow, but a number stand out.

In one, we see Cate Blanchett, as herself, having coffee with her surly, Goth cousin (also played by Blanchett). Cate clearly wants to connect and be liked, but the baggage of being famous gets in the way and it's clear the cousin resents being kept at arm's length.

In another, Alfred Molina invites Steve Coogan for tea (again as themselves) and reveals that he's discovered the pair are distant relatives. Coogan clearly thinks this is a bit weird, until a phone call changes the whole balance of the scene.

To reveal any more would spoil things, but these two scenes are worth the price of admission alone.