Broken Flowers Searches for Meaning

Title

Broken Flowers (2005)

Directed by

Jim Jarmusch

Writing Credits

Jim Jarmusch

Selected Cast

Bill Murray .... Don Johnston
Julie Delpy .... Sherry
Heather Simms .... Mona
Brea Frazier .... Rita
Mark Webber .... The Kid
Jeffrey Wright .... Winston
Alexis Dziena .... Lolita
Sharon Stone .... Laura Daniels Miller
Frances Conroy .... Dora Anderson
Christopher McDonald .... Ron
Chloë Sevigny .... Carmen's Assistant
Suzanne Hevner .... Mrs. Dorston
Jessica Lange .... Dr. Carmen Markowski
Chris Bauer .... Dan
Larry Fessenden .... Will
Tilda Swinton .... Penny
Pell James .... Sun Green

Review

Broken Flowers is the story of an over-the-hill Casanova who travels the country visiting old lovers in a search for the mother of the son he’s never met.

Broken Flowers has a lot to offer. Bill Murray is always entertaining, even in a semi-serious film like this one. The director makes good use of symbolism and recurring imagery (e.g., wardrobe parallels, flowers, and the color pink). The humor is subtle and true.

Cinematography is one of the film’s strongest elements. The wide shots of lush country landscapes and worn down urban areas seem to convey a sense of loneliness and beauty all at once.

The pacing of Broken Flowers is extremely slow, which does fit with the tone of the film, but the slow scene progressions often get a little tedious.

Don’t go into this film expecting a lot. Just enjoy it for what it is. Even though the ending does make a statement, it is a bit vague and will disappoint many.

Rating (1-10)

6

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