Rating of
3.5/4
Among the First True "Indie" Films
Jeremy - wrote on 07/20/11
Stranger Than Paradise is a film that attempts to present the people of America at a particular time in history. Like other indie directors to follow, Jarmusch does not focus so on plot so much as intense characterization of a group of lazy, underachieving slackers. He allows us to follow them on their aimless journey across America as they continue to be thwarted by their own flaws from finding paradise. Many critics of this film cite that it is "boring" and "has no plot". There is a bit of validity to both of those statements as the first half hour of the film is quite poorly paced. However, what must be recognized is that the plot is rather unnecessary for the film, as this is not a movie about the events that happen, but rather who the events happen to. On the whole, Stranger Than Paradise is an amusing black comedy with a unique commentary on the so-called "slacker generation". It drives home the point that the American Dream is something different for everyone but it will ultimately elude anyone who does not take steps to try and find happiness for themselves.
