Paterson

500 Days Of Film Reviews Drama, Paterson, Starring Adam Driver

Paterson (Adam Driver) is a bus driver in the city of Paterson, New Jersey. Every day he follows the same, simple routine - all the while observing the city and overhearing the fragments of conversation that swirl around him. 

The comedy, sadness and beauty in each day inspires Paterson to write poetry about his life and experiences.

Following his performances in Midnight Special, Silence and, of course, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the words “starring Adam Driver” are now more than enough to draw me into any film. Combine them with “written and directed by Jim Jarmusch” and I'm in - I’m all in.

I had high hopes, therefore, for Paterson. Thankfully, the movie more than lives up to my lofty expectations. This is a beautiful and unexpectedly funny film, featuring a truly mesmerizing performance from Driver.

I love so much about Paterson it is difficult to know where to begin. Let's start, then, with the film's rhythmic structure. This is a movie about a poet that feels genuinely poetic. I loved following Paterson’s daily routine (getting up, going to work, coming home, walking the dog, having one beer at a local bar) over the course of a week. 

Indeed, I started to anticipate his patterns - so much so that the smallest fluctuations in his routine made me feel anxious. There is real drama in these small, wonderfully observed details - details that push a story more concerned with simple routines (and the beauty inherent in a box of matches) forward. 

It is fascinating to watch Jarmusch reveal Paterson’s creative process. We see him observing everyday objects and writing his thoughts down. He then makes small changes to words or phrases until he has created something truly poetic and really rather beautiful.

However, Paterson would never call himself a poet. He even resists making copies of his work. As a result, we experience his poems via Driver’s wonderful, natural narration and by reading them on screen. This technique could, in lesser hands, have felt cheesy. However, we are not dealing with lesser hands here.

Driver’s performance is hypnotic. His face is a picture of calm - all emotion subdued. However, when his feelings (of humour, fear or grief) break through they pack a significant emotional punch - revealing the surprisingly intense passion within.

These deep feelings are largely inspired by his wife, Laura (brilliantly portrayed by Golshifteh Farahani), a wonderful character who is infectiously optimistic and endlessly creative. Jarmusch creates a gorgeous, intimate portrait of a marriage - an enduring relationship built on love and support. 

Paterson takes the life of a seemingly ordinary man and makes it truly extraordinary. I loved it.

I couldn’t finish this review of Paterson without mentioning the marvelous Marvin. What a dog! 

Paterson is now available to watch on DVD and via Amazon Prime Video.

Have you seen Paterson? 

If you have, what did you think of Jim Jarmusch’s film? Let me know by leaving me a comment in the box below!