Jim Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers delivers a subtle comedy about one man’s odyssey through his past love life, and gives another example of why Bill Murray is a master at bringing unique characters to life on the screen.
The movie follows Don Johnston (Murray) - an aging bachelor who begins a cross-country quest to find out which one of his past loves sent him a pink letter informing him that he had a 19 year old son (who had embarked on a quest of his own to find his father).
At first Murray has no interest in the letter or finding out who sent it, but he is pushed into the search by his mystery-loving neighbor Winston – played by the great Jeffrey Wright. Winston, who fancies himself an amateur Mike Hammer meets Sherlock Holmes, designed a road trip for Murray (complete with theme music) that will take him by four of his past love interest that fit the timeframe for being the person who sent the letter.
Murray’s job is to simply look for pink paper, red ink, a typewriter, and make sure to bring them pink flowers. Along the way, he finds that all four of the women have moved on with their lives – although most of them are a little bit on the quirky side – and that his own life is a little empty. This journey forces Murray to question his life as a “Don Juan” wannabe, and if he is truly happy being alone at his age in life.
The film features some great performances from Murray’s love interest – including Sharon Stone, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, and Tilda Swinton. Of the group, Lange is probably the funniest as a pet shrink who “talks” to animals, and Swinton would come in second thanks to her quick encounter with Murray that leaves him unconscious in a field.
Murray’s dry humor will have you laughing
Although the film is funny in parts, it is not the classic Murray from Caddyshack or Stripes that some fans still expect. Murray’s performance is closer to his Lost In Translation character and he is almost the straight man in a film that is a bit off centered. Murray’s deadpan delivery of dry humor will have you laughing at different parts of the film, but it is more of a witty drama than the slapstick comedy that made Murray a star.
This isn’t a problem for anyone who has enjoyed many of Murray’s recent films (like Lost In Translation, Rushmore, or even The Life Aquatic) and it shows how the actor is able to blend his style into any genre. The movie also relies on a good supporting cast, most notably Wright, to help add some laughs and keep the film moving.
Although he is only in a few scenes, Wright proves that he can hold his own against almost any talent, and that he is truly great at coming up with unique characters. He was one reason I enjoyed the film and wanted to watch it in the first place.
It is hilarious the way his character is obsessed with mysteries and the way he comes up with every detail of the trip - including the music to listen to in the car. Murray also seems to have fun with the character and is the perfect straight man to Wright’s conspiracy theories about the whole situation.
The movie may also be a bit slow for some audience members, and I found the pacing a bit dull from time to time – there are only so many airplane shots or shots of Murray driving that will hold your interest. The overall plot of the film will keep you watching just to see how it is all going to turn out by the time the credits roll. The film’s ending (which I liked) may also be a bit of a downer for some people who really want to know who sent the letter. I didn’t think that was really the point of the film, and enjoyed that the director had the guts to end the film the way he did.
The movie is a little light on special features consisting of a standard behind the scene look with some of the cast and crew; some outtakes with Murray; and an extended scene.
Wright provides some of the film’s best laughs
Overall, I enjoyed Broken Flowers more than I thought that I would. The film is rather slow at times, but the story will hold your interest throughout the movie. Murray continues to demonstrate that he is good actor as well as a comedian, and delvers a solid performance with the character.
The movie may not be for some of Murray’s fan who like the actor more for his earlier work, but it won’t disappoint if you give it a chance. The film has a great cast of Hollywood talent, and is worth checking out.
Broken Flowers is now available at Amazon . It is available for pre-order at AmazonUK for a March 20th release date. Visit the DVD’s database for more information.
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