Here is one off the wall romantic comedy that only the twisted mind of Jim Jarmusch could bring to the screen: Broken Flowers. Bill Murray plays Don Johnston, a world-weary middle-aged Don Juan retiree who made his money in computers but doesn't currently own one. In the midst of breaking up with current love Sherry - Julie Delpy an anonymous letter with an unreadable postmark from an unknown former lover arrives, announcing he has a 19-year-old son. Neighbour and amateur sleuth Winston - Jeffrey Wright convinces Don to undertake a road trip to discover which one of his past lovers could have sent the note. Armed with flowers, maps and internet files, Don embarks on a journey to meet the five possible candidates: Laura, Sharon Stone, Dora, Frances Conway, Carmen, Jessica Lange and Penny, Tilda Swinton. Jarmusch yet again delivers an unpredictable and relentlessly humorous take on the crisis of middle age.
Bill Murray thrives in the role of Don, who is so laid back it's hard to imagine he's not on some sort of medication. But it's actually the stillness in this film, the way it quietly meanders, that so perfectly captures the emotional low that Don has reached in his love life.
The star studded cast work harmoniously in their vignettes, cleverly revealing how Don's relationships have perpetually failed. This is a unique take on one man's challenge to understand his emotional past, so he can get on with his future. Only trouble is, sometimes it's best not to look back.
