Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong
Everyone goes through phases in their lives when they allow themselves dream and to be more than the box society has prepared for them: they embrace their identities as anarchists, heroes, poets, or artists. It is only when outside forces conspire to suggest that reality should be free of symbolism or poetry that people begin to forget their dreams and accept settling.
Paterson (Adam Driver at his finest) is a former Marine from Paterson, New Jersey. Every day he wakes up next to wife Laura (Golshifteh Parahani) before heading off to drive Bus 0936 – the Paterson 23 – where he listens in on the stories of the people on his route. After work, he heads home and eats the bizarre meal wife has dreamed up before taking Marvin the dog for a walk that ends a local bar where he continues his day of quiet observation. This mightn’t seem like a thrilling life but the poet in Paterson seeks contentment in the people who populate the periphery of his life.
If Michael Bay is a Director of big moments and even bigger explosions, then Writer/Director Jim Jarmusch is the opposite: his Movies are defined by a series small moments that seemingly add up to nothing but when taken as a whole mean Everything. His camera frames each scene as if to highlight the poetry of everyday life while never interfering in the subtle interactions captured in its lens.
The internal rhymes and beats of Paterson will reinforce the notion that Jarmusch-y should be an official adjective in the Cinematic dictionary. It is brilliant filmmaking punctuated by outstanding performances and a must see at this year’s TIFF.
Paterson screens:
Monday, September 12, 2016Â at 3:15 PMÂ Ryerson Theatre
Wednesday, September 14, 2016Â at 9:00 AMÂ TIFFÂ Bell Lightbox 2
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