If you appreciate understated, slice-of-life stories that find interest in the subtle details of everyday existence as a form of artistic expression, then Jim Jarmusch’s **Paterson** may be quite enjoyable. Known for his distinctive and subdued dramas like the well-regarded _Broken Flowers_ from 2005 and _The Limits of Control_ in 2009, Jarmusch returns with an admirable character study of a man named Paterson (Adam Driver, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) as he attempts to balance his routine life with his passion for poetry, which serves as his escape. Experiencing one of Jarmusch’s films is often like stepping into a quiet, self-contained world—you simply need to accept the deliberate pacing and appreciate its subtle depth. His most recent departure from this style was this year's documentary _Gimmie Danger_, though even that film possesses a certain understated quality. **Paterson** is the kind of unconventional, thoughtful, and gentle motion picture that encourages you to leave your expectations behind. Jarmusch’s artistic sensibilities are ironically reflected in the film’s central character, Paterson (the man), and the urban setting of Paterson, New Jersey. The movie allows viewers to follow the repetitive rhythm of a man's life—from his job as a bus driver to his evenings with his wife Laura (Golshifteh Farahani) and their bulldog Marvin—finding moments of stimulation through writing poetry in his notebook. It’s helpful that the city sharing his name provides him with inspiration as he drives his bus route each day, observing the people around him. Some viewers will connect with Paterson's consistent daily routine, while others might find it tedious to witness such predictability in a disciplined man like this bus driver. The structure of his days rarely changes: he wakes early, goes to work driving buses, returns home to Laura for dinner, and then takes Marvin to the local bar for a beer. It’s important to note that Paterson consistently writes poetry. Laura is also an unconventional character whose own unusual habits mirror those of her husband. She pursues various creative endeavors with enthusiasm, often driven by a desire for excitement and purpose. Her fondness for particular color schemes in clothing, food, and furniture oddly satisfies her, just as Paterson’s dependable routines provide him comfort. They both follow their own unique paths. However, their philosophies clash; Paterson resists change, while Laura embraces new challenges. It may be difficult to fully embrace **Paterson** because it's an intimate film with a modest scope that examines the lives of ordinary married people navigating everyday joys and struggles. Yet, in a cinematic landscape dominated by superhero films, zombie movies, and _Star Wars_ sequels, there’s value in understated dramas like **Paterson**, which focuses on relatable characters simply trying to make their way through life. Driver delivers an effective performance as Paterson, a poetic outsider who translates the rhythms of his city and its people into lyrical verse. He is comfortable with who he is and doesn't feel the need to be anything other than what he already is. Farahani also shines as the free-spirited Laura, whose whims range from baking cupcakes to rearranging curtains. The supporting characters are well-developed, particularly those at the small tavern where Paterson enjoys his nightly beer. Even Marvin (played by the late Nellie) fits perfectly into the story of these ordinary people living authentically. Jarmusch suggests that there may be hidden depths beneath Paterson’s seemingly simple nature. While it's fine to enjoy action sequences, alien invasions, or even occasional teen comedies, there is room for films like **Paterson**—sublime and insightful celebrations of everyday life, love, and quirky personalities—that resonate with a timeless purpose. **Paterson** (2016) Amazon Studios/Animal Kingdom/Bleecher Street Media/Inkjet Productions 1 hr. 55 mins. Starring: Adam Driver, Golshifteh Farahani, Method Man Directed and Written by: Jim Jarmusch Genre: Comedy/Drama MPAA Rating: R Critic's Rating: **** stars (out of 4 stars) (c) **Frank Ochieng** 2016

Source on TMDB