Broken Flowers
Broken Flowers
Cruel_Sandwich
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/30/05
#0Broken Flowers
Posted: 8/5/05 at 11:23am
Over the past few days, this movie has really really grown on me. I guess it was people saying how it was a more commercial film than Jarmusch has done that kind of put me off and its unconventional and unbelievable premise (Bill Murray as a lothario...). But this film, like Lost in Translation and indeed ALL Jim Jarmusch films, isn't about plot or character and is, instead, about mood. It's just one of those movies that you can just get lost in, much like Lost in Translation. And its ending is almost unspeakably brilliant.
Anyhow, it opens today in a few places so go check it out if it's playing near you.
popcultureboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/03
#1re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 8/5/05 at 2:19pmHow prominently featured are Chloe Sevigny and Julie Delpy?
Nothing precious, plain to see, don't make a fuss over me. Not loud, not soft, but somewhere inbetween. Say sorry, just let it be the word you mean.
#2re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 8/5/05 at 2:32pmI can't wait to see this. I've been loving Bill Murray lately, and you can't go wrong w/ Jeffrey Wright and the rest of that cast. I've only seen the trailer once, but it stuck out as one that I definitely wanted to catch ASAP.
But when did New Hampshire become--Such a backward wasteland of seatbelt hating crazies?...I mean, only 40 people actually live there. The others are just visitors who come for the tax-free liquor and three inches of novelty coastline. John Hodgeman on The Daily Show (1-30-07)
#3re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/2/05 at 11:04pm
Sorry to bring back this dead old thread, but I didn't want to start my own, and i was curious about other people's reactions.
I was admittedly confused by the ending. While I enjoyed this film far more than the tepid, cardboard LOST IN TRANSLATION, I can't decide whether I'm missing something, or whether the film really just isn't all that.
I used to be indifferent towards Bill Murray, but after seeing him recently (finally) in THE LIFE AQUATIC, I have a new respect for him. I think he is one of the finest living actors and it's only a matter of time before he gets his Oscar. But, not this year. This film was also shot entirely where I grew up - and where Mr. Murray resides. So, that was refreshing. Also, I am obsessed with Jessica Lange, Chloe Sevigny, and Julie Delpy - who I would have like to seen more of. Overall, it's one of the best pictures of the year - but that's not saying much. I'm very interested to hear what other people have to say about this, particularly BWW's film buffs - MEF, 86, EvelynNesbit, Cruel, etc.
And, speaking of best films of the year, that brings me to THE CONSTANT GARDENER - THE best film of the year so far - you must go see it.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
Plum
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
#4re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/2/05 at 11:09pmI thought it was nice but not overwhelmingly great. Kind of like Lost in Translation, come to think of it. I also think it'll fade on the list of "best movies of the year" by the time winter comes.
#5re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/2/05 at 11:12pmI went into Broken Flowers expecting way too much, and was let down. Bill Murray is very good, if a bit sedate (I realize that that's what the part requires, but there were times when he looked like he was about to take a nap). The women-especially the scene-stealing Frances Conroy and Tilda Swinton-were superb. Overall, a worthy effort. The kind of movie you admire more than love.
#6re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/2/05 at 11:33pmJessica Lange deserves more buzz, IMHO. I loved Lost in Translation, but this movie left me baffled. Some interesting scenes, but it was lacking something.
Cruel_Sandwich
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/30/05
#7re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/2/05 at 11:38pm
THE ENDING
(Spoilers)
The point of the story was not to solve the mystery but to simply get this passive and withdrawn man to actually get off of his sofa. And due to the fact that he spent that life in a sedentary catatonia, the end of his "journey" is no more organized than it was before. There are still threads hanging everywhere. And THAT is why the movie ends how it ends.
#8re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/3/05 at 2:00am
It's really amazing how little you learn about each of the characters and their past lives but you're still moved by it.
And Cruel, you're TOTALLY right about that ending -it's about the change from the "sedate" Bill Murray to one who's finding possibility and capable of action.
-Anyone want to turn anarchist with me?"Bless you and all who know you, oh wise and penguined one." ~YouWantItWhen????
Plum
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
#9re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/3/05 at 2:39pmI think it's the ending that shows the limits of Murray's range- he's not ready for an Oscar yet.
#10re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/3/05 at 4:19pmMaybe Plum, but if Julia Roberts and Halle Berry can win an Oscar - Bill Murray is certainly more than qualified.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
#11re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/3/05 at 4:21pm
Yeah, and look at the performances that they won for!
*shudders*
#12re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/3/05 at 4:24pmExactly.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
Plum
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
Cruel_Sandwich
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/30/05
#15re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/3/05 at 5:23pmIs this ever going to go wider? I'd love to be able to discuss it with more people.
Plum
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
#17re: Broken Flowers
Posted: 9/3/05 at 7:04pmI don't think it'll be going wider. It's been making less money per theater over time according to Box Office Mojo.
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