Stranger Than Paradise was a film produced by James Roberto Jarmusch or Jim as most people called him. Jim was born on January 22, 1953 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Jim was born to immigrant parents. His mom worked as a reviewer of film and theatre for the Akron Beacon Journal before marrying his father. Jim’s father was a businessman that worked for the B.F Goodrich Company. At a very young age Jim was introduced to films by his mother, Jim’s mom would drop him off at the local cinema while she ran errands. Jim stated that the first adult film he recalls having seen was the 1958 cult classic Thunder Road and that the violence and darkness left a very deep impression on him at seven years old. Another influence from his childhood was Ghoulardi, an eccentric Cleveland television show that featured horror films. After Graduating high school Jim moved to Chicago and enrolled in the Medill School of Journalism but Jim was kicked out for refusing to take any Journalism related classes. After this occurrence Jim transferred to Columbia University for the following year and wanted to become a poet. During his time at Columbia University Jim began to write short semi-narrative abstract pieces, and edited the undergraduate literary journal. Jarmusch's final year university project was completed in 1980 as Permanent Vacation, his first feature film. It had its premiere at the International Film festival Mannheim-Heidelberg and won the Josef von Sternberg Award. It was made on a very stringent budget of around $12,000 in misdirected scholarship funds and shot by cinematographer Tom DiCillo on 16 mm film. This film received positive reviews from critics and was the beginning of Jim’s career as a director.
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ReplyDeleteThe road trip part of the movie was interesting, but I found it very odd when it was explained as a love story with his cousin. I saw him more as looking after her. What would you say makes this an Indie film beyond the lack of plot and the typical road trip film?
ReplyDeleteI actually did see the movie as a love story but between cousins. I found myself wondering if either Eddie or Willy would make an attempt to get with Eva. The actress that played Eva is originally from Budapest, Hungary.
ReplyDeleteI saw the parts that made the film "indie" was the cinematography of black and white and the budget. I'd say the lack of direction and off center dialogue make it that as well. Unlike some Indie films that lack a clear ending, I felt like this story had a very clear ending in which all the characters went their separate ways. I went in planning to struggle watching this film and came out enjoying the story it told.
The movie had many elements which made it an "indie" film. The film was very statically shot utilizing the use of many set and long shots. The key for Jarmusch was minimalism. The film was shot for $110K which we can easily see with the lack of resources, dialogue and transitions. The film had an overall lack of storyline and character development.
ReplyDeleteThe movie was very much a love story, just not in the traditional "Hollywood" sense. Willie and Eva definitely have a mutual care and admiration for one another, but its somewhat taboo for them to be romantically involved seeing as how they are family. We do not know their true intentions with one another, which leaves it for the audience to determine what love may exist between the two.
Questions:
ReplyDeleteAs an audience member on your panel I have some questions that were answered in public but I would like to see them answered on my blog:
1. The movie is labeled an absurdist/deadpan comedy film. What does that mean?
2. Why did it take four years to complete the film?
3. Why is this movie considered one of the most influential movies of the 1980s?
I enjoyed the movie but I am an action fan so it was difficult to watch a film where there was no action. Since it was a film in which you need to think about on a deeper level then it served its purpose. It forced me to thing about how understanding people helps you understand where you are going in life, especially if it is your own family. Listening to others may benefit your life, is a message I felt could be gleaned from the movie.
ReplyDeleteI found it fitting that both the New Immigrant and the established New Yorker both steal in order to survive. I'd never seen this movie before, but had heard about it. I think it was a good choice to shoot in black and white. It probably saved a little bit of cash, but I think it helped the viewer stay focused on the characters and their surroundings. Florida certainly isn't bleak, but Jarmusch makes it that way.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of a lot of dialogue was interesting too. It gave the movie a minimalist approach. The story seemed very simple, but timeless and I can understand why this is considered an indie classic.
I was also on the audience panel. Here are my questions:
ReplyDelete- How does the use of the song I Put A Sell You affect the scene with Eva walking and carrying her luggage? Why do they use the song there? In other scenes it kind of makes sense as the scenes show how Eva becomes used to living with Willie.
- Choking the alligator? Was he being serious about the phrase or was he teasing her since she wouldn't know any better?
I googled the phrase. Choking the alligator refers to tricking foreigners in regards to anything about America.
- In 1984, a movie review in the NY Times by Vincent Canby claims the director shows an "appreciation for the ridiculous". Just out of curiosity, what are your thoughts on this?
- Is there any significance regarding Willie and Eva's Hungarian heritage or was it randomly chosen for the story?
- What was Jim jarmusch's focus on trios of characters in his earlier films?
I love Jarmush films. He's always been one of my favorite indie directors. My first film that I saw of his was Down By Law. His films are very artistic to me. Watch Dead Man if you are interested in westerns. This is probably the most artistic western made (in my humble opinion).
ReplyDeleteI love Jarmush films. He's always been one of my favorite indie directors. My first film that I saw of his was Down By Law. His films are very artistic to me. Watch Dead Man if you are interested in westerns. This is probably the most artistic western made (in my humble opinion).
ReplyDelete