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I'm Not a Commercial Director
The 73-year-old has been at the cutting edge of US independent cinema since the 1980s. As Father Mother Sister Brother opens in the UK, he talks about grief, greed and ‘doing crazy shit’ with Steve Coogan
TL;DR
- Jim Jarmusch's new film 'Father Mother Sister Brother' is an anthology set in New Jersey, Dublin, and Paris, featuring recurring motifs.
- The film 'Night on Earth' featured Gena Rowlands and Winona Ryder, with Rowlands initially hesitant to take the role after her husband John Cassavetes' death.
- Jarmusch prefers to 'cast first then write fast,' often starting with actors he wants to work with, such as Tom Waits and Mayim Bialik for his new film.
- The director discusses his connection to filmmakers like Cassavetes and David Lynch through cinematographer Fred Elmes, describing himself as a 'humanist romantic.'
- Jarmusch's films often focus on quotidian mundanity and moments of pause, with 'Father Mother Sister Brother' being more in the style of Yasujirō Ozu.
- The film's three parts explore family dynamics: a manipulative father asking for money, estranged sisters with a cold mother, and twins reuniting in Paris.
- Jarmusch won the Golden Lion at the Venice film festival for 'Father Mother Sister Sister Brother' but expresses a disinterest in artistic competition.
- He emphasizes his commitment to artistic integrity, walking away from potential backers who request compromises, and finds filmmaking increasingly challenging.
- Jarmusch views life and death cyclically, striving to live in the present and appreciate life amidst global fragility.
- He adheres to a 'no plan' philosophy, inspired by Neil Young, and continues to be a passionate cinephile and filmmaker.