Jim Jarmusch

Jim Jarmusch (born January 22, 1953 in Akron, Ohio, USA) is a noted film director. Following years of artistic success and critical acclaim in the American independent film community, he achieved a new level of mainstream notoriety with his far-East philosophy-themed Western movie set in New Jersey, Ghost Dog - The Way of the Samurai, starring Forest Whitaker, which also featured a soundtrack by the Wu-Tang Clan's Rza.

Related Topics:
January 22 - 1953 - Akron, Ohio - Film director - Western movie - New Jersey - Ghost Dog - The Way of the Samurai - Forest Whitaker - Soundtrack - The Wu-Tang Clan - Rza

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Jarmusch's first major release, Stranger Than Paradise was released to much critical acclaim, making him one of the most revered independent directors of his time. The film broke many conventions of traditional Hollywood films, and to this day is still considered a landmark work in modern independent film.

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One of his major projects is an ongoing series of short films called Coffee and Cigarettes. The original six-minute film appeared on Saturday Night Live in 1986, featuring filmmaker Roberto Benigni and comedian Steven Wright. Three years later, he released Coffee and Cigarettes - Memphis Version, with actor Steve Buscemi, which was eight minutes long. The next 12-minute installment was in 1993, Coffee and Cigarettes - Somewhere in California, featuring musicians Tom Waits and Iggy Pop.

Related Topics:
Coffee and Cigarettes - Saturday Night Live - 1986 - Roberto Benigni - Steven Wright - Coffee and Cigarettes - Memphis Version - Steve Buscemi - 1993 - Coffee and Cigarettes - Somewhere in California - Tom Waits - Iggy Pop

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In 1993, Jarmusch said, "I’ve shot two more which are waiting to be edited, and I’ve scripted two or three more. Although the intention is for them to work separately as short films, I plan to shoot around 12 to 14 and put them together for a video release." http://members.tripod.com/~jimjarmusch/faq.html. This was released in 2004 as Coffee and Cigarettes. The movie consists of 11 installments (the 1986 Coffee and Cigarettes, Memphis Version and Somwhere in California being segments 1, 2 and 3), featuring, among others, Jack and Meg of The White Stripes, Cate Blanchett, RZA, GZA, Bill Murray, Steve Coogan and Alfred Molina.

Related Topics:
2004 - The White Stripes - Cate Blanchett - RZA - GZA - Bill Murray - Steve Coogan - Alfred Molina

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A book of interviews with Jarmusch, part of the Conversations with the Filmmakers series, is available. It is titled Jim Jarmusch: Interviews (ISBN 1578063795).

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He is reportedly a founding member of the semi-secret society, The Sons of Lee Marvin.

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