Benefit
Bluelighter
Wayne Wang and writer Paul Auster brought this terrific independent film to life in 1995 and it's definitely worth seeing. It features a spectacular ensemble cast: Harvey Keitel is his usual brilliant self playing a cigar store philosopher; William Hurt is an intellectual and reclusive writer who sort of needs a friend; Ashley Judd (who has less than four minutes of screen time) is powerful as a petulant drug addict. The film gave me a new respect for Forest Whitaker who turns in an extremely powerful performance; best acting I've ever seen from him.
Smoke is basically Coffee and Cigarettes, but with a plot. Not much of a plot, but there is a plot. It's mostly meandering slice of life vignette type stuff, and anyone who requires constant, compelling action will probably get bored. The film is mostly people talking and, specifically, telling stories; this premise would not have worked if the caliber of the acting was not so high. The film really ends up being a showcase for great acting and the performances have a very loose and improvisational feel to them. There are also quite a lot of subtly funny moments here and there.
I really like the way it ended, helped along by Tom Waits' Innocent When You Dream. Do yourself a favor and give this movie a try. It's not for everyone, but if it is for you, you'll know it.
Warning: don't watch this movie if you're trying to quit smoking!
Smoke is basically Coffee and Cigarettes, but with a plot. Not much of a plot, but there is a plot. It's mostly meandering slice of life vignette type stuff, and anyone who requires constant, compelling action will probably get bored. The film is mostly people talking and, specifically, telling stories; this premise would not have worked if the caliber of the acting was not so high. The film really ends up being a showcase for great acting and the performances have a very loose and improvisational feel to them. There are also quite a lot of subtly funny moments here and there.
I really like the way it ended, helped along by Tom Waits' Innocent When You Dream. Do yourself a favor and give this movie a try. It's not for everyone, but if it is for you, you'll know it.
Warning: don't watch this movie if you're trying to quit smoking!
