'Broken Flowers': Bill Murray film is odd, but interesting
by Eleanor Ringel Gillespie

"Broken Flowers" is one odd duck of a movie. It does about a dozen things carelessly — probably more — yet you never lose interest in Jim Jarmusch's story or Bill Murray's existential deadpan. Murray plays Don Johnston with a T, prompting a number of "Miami Vice" jokes. A wealthy bachelor who made his fortune in computers, Don now refuses to have one in his house — an early hint of the character's inherent contrariness. One day a pink letter arrives, saying Don fathered a son with one of his girlfriends years ago — and now the 19-year-old is set on looking up his dad. There's no signature, no return address, even the postmark is illegible. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
Dumped by his latest lover, Don Johnson is compelled to reflect on his past when he receives a mysterious pink letter from an anonymous former lover who informs him that he has a 19-year-old son. Don embarks on a cross-country trek in search of clues from four former flames.

FILM FACTS ...
Focus Features
'Broken Flowers'

Director: Jim Jarmusch
Starring: Bill Murray, Jeffrey Wright, Sharon Stone, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange
Run time: 105 minutes
Release date: August 5, 2005
Rating: R for language, some graphic nudity and brief drug use.
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READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B-
"...a uniquely bittersweet experience, a movie with some broken funny bones and a questioning heart."

Austin American-Statesman: 4 of 5 stars
"(Sharon) Stone's performance here may be the most likable of her career."

Dayton Daily News: B+
"... a darkly funny, poignant, hopeful film."

The Palm Beach Post: B
"Jarmusch is too quirky to end his film conclusively. Viewers, however, are unlikely to regret going along for this ride."


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