Coffee and Cigarettes (2004)

In the eclectic and whimsical world of Coffee and Cigarettes (2003), director Jim Jarmusch presents a series of eleven distinct yet interconnected vignettes. Playing semi-fictionalized versions of themselves, an ensemble of celebrities convene in various eateries, their meetings underpinned by the common threads of caffeine and nicotine. As they sip on coffee or tea and puff on cigarettes, their conversations meander from the mundane to the profound, intermittently touching on the potential health risks inherent in their shared indulgences. The dialogues flow naturally, veering from discussions about caffeine popsicles and nicotine's use as an insecticide, to more abstract musings on Paris in the '20s and the intriguing connection between medical and musical careers. Throughout these exchanges, the film highlights the peculiarities of our world, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary. Amidst the chatter, certain themes echo across the vignettes, including the Lee family, cousinhood, and the phenomenon of celebrity worship. The recurring reference to Nikola Tesla's belief that the Earth is a conductor of acoustic resonance adds an unexpected layer of intellectual intrigue. However, beyond the diverse topics and the idiosyncratic narrative, it's the ritual of gathering for coffee and cigarettes that takes center stage. This common act serves as a bridge, mending disagreements and diffusing awkward situations. As the film unfolds, Jarmusch subtly celebrates the obsessions, joys, and addictions that punctuate life, reminding us of the captivating power of truly observed ordinary moments.

Coffee and Cigarettes is a comedy movie featuring Roberto Benigni.

Coffee and Cigarettes is currently streaming on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.