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Mystery Train
1989
Jim Jarmusch broadens his scope with this episodic tale of a night in the life of several Memphis, Tennessee, inhabitants who unknowingly find themselves lodging at the same hotel. The first episode, "Far from Yokohama," is about two Japanese teenagers (Youki Kudoh and Masatoshe Nagase) on a pilgrimage to the birthplace of rock .. Read more
| Starring | Joe Strummer, Nicoletta Braschi, Cinque Lee, Youki Kudoh |
|---|---|
| Director | Jim Jarmusch |
| Genres | Comedy |
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Mystery Train
Jim Jarmusch broadens his scope with this episodic tale of a night in the life of several Memphis, Tennessee, inhabitants who unknowingly find themselves lodging at the same hotel. The first episode, "Far from Yokohama," is about two Japanese teenagers (Youki Kudoh and Masatoshe Nagase) on a pilgrimage to the birthplace of rock and roll, Sun Studios, where Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins got their start. In the second story, "A Ghost," two strangers meet and become friends. One is an Italian tourist, Luisa (Nicoletta Braschi), who is on the way back to Rome in order to bury her husband; the other, Dee Dee (Elizabeth Bracco), has just dumped her British boyfriend, Johnny (Joe Strummer). During the middle of the night, Luisa is visited by the ghost of Elvis. "Lost in Space," the final segment, brings all the characters together briefly, as Johnny goes on a violent drinking spree with Dee Dee's brother (Steve Buscemi) and another friend (Rick Aviles). Throughout all of this, the hotel's night clerk (Screamin' Jay Hawkins) and bellboy (Cinque Lee) listen to the local radio and engage in aimless conversation. Jarmusch once again uses his distinct sense of humor to dispel cultural myths--this time it's the legend of Memphis--by placing an eclectic group of tourists into an unquestionably American environment.
| Starring | Joe Strummer, Nicoletta Braschi, Cinque Lee, Youki Kudoh, Masatoshi Nagase, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Steve Buscemi, Tom Noonan, Sy Richardson, Tom Waits, Elizabeth Bracco, Sara Driver, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Rockets Redglare |
|---|---|
| Director | Jim Jarmusch |
| Studio | MGM ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 45 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 28 Apr 2003 Production year: 1989 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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The first American film to be wholly financed by Japanese cash, this is indie cinema close to its best. Demonstrating his customary, quirky genius for character, director Jim Jarmusch effortlessly weaves together three stories set in a moth-eaten Memphis hotel, which is little more than a seedy shrine to Elvis Presley, whose spirit pervades the entire picture. The scenes involving Japanese rock pilgrims Masatoshi Nagase and Youki Kudoh are a delight, while the postmortem into Joe Strummer and Steve Buscemi's bungled robbery is tantamount to a Tarantino prototype. Capping the lot are the exchanges between night clerk Screamin' Jay Hawkins and bellboy Cinque Lee.
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"...It's a jewel-like, minimalist film about a group of crisscrossing wanderers and outlaws on one lyrically strange day and night in Memphis -- where haphazard-seeming events slowly merge into entrancingly complex figures and patterns..."
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Most helpful member's review
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11 out of 16 people found this review helpful
Elvis told me to give you his comb
Elvis provides the link for these three stories set in Memphis, Tennessee. The first focuses on two avid Elvis fans from Japan, the second on an Italian woman stuck in the town after her plane is forced to land and the third (featuring Buscemi) follows a group of locals who run into trouble with the law after a heavy night of drinking.
In my opinion it?s the first story that makes this film worth watching. The juxtaposition of the 'trendy' urban Japanese couple wandering through the dilapidated streets of downtown Memphis is strangely engaging and is made all the more interesting by the couple?s argumentative nature. It was a shame really that this aspect of the film wasn?t fleshed out further.
The other two stories are well acted but I found them to be little bland in comparison (espeically the 2nd story), although others may disagree with this. Nonetheless I found this to be an interesting little 'Indie' film and I?m sure it will satisfy the needs of those looking for something off the beaten track.
3 out of 5 -
Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Sweet old Elvis
I thought that this film was lilting and funny and episodic. Jarmusch reveals the relationships between the characters in an appealingly everyday, charming way. The stories intertwine gently, without overbearing force.
I loved the colours of this film - the greens and reds - they convey the sense of this desolate american city.
It's also a funny film, dotted with gorgeous little moments. -
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Mystery Train
Jim Jarmusch broadens his scope with this episodic tale of a night in the life of several Memphis, Tennessee, inhabitants who unknowingly find themselves lodging at the same hotel. The first episode, "Far from Yokohama," is about two Japanese teenagers (Youki Kudoh and Masatoshe Nagase) on a ...
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