The Dead Don't Die (2019) ***1/2
As with Jim Jarmusch's Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) (review), The Dead Don't Die (2019) was better than I expected, based on the trailer. I'm hoping that, again, as with OLLA, subsequent viewings of TDDD will reveal an even greater appreciation. Like OLLA, I wasn't sure how I'd react to Jarmusch tackling another genre that I'm (even more) burnt out on, but I ended up really enjoying it.
I think it's down to the way this film was sold—it's nigh impossible to convey the atmosphere of a Jarmusch film in a trailer: the tone, the overall feeling that the poetic delivery of the dialogue imparts, the way the score affects the mood. Obviously the cast is astounding, but most of the actors' appearances are little more than cameos. Still, it's nice to see people like Eszter Balint (Eva in Jarmusch's classic Stranger Than Paradise (1984) (review)) and Tom Waits (who hasn't appeared in a JJ film since 2003's Coffee And Cigarettes (and his segment was filmed in 1993)) show up. Bill Murray and Adam Driver have a great comic dynamic and do an excellent job carrying the film.
The Dead Don't Die comes recommended for those that are familiar with Jim Jarmusch's style and/or those that are seeking a different, lyrical zombie film. And remember two things: 1. The world is perfect. Appreciate the details. 2. If you stumble upon corpses that you think were attacked by the undead, first consider whether it might have been a wild animal. Or several wild animals.
You can find my Jim Jarmusch Feature Films Ranked list here.
I think it's down to the way this film was sold—it's nigh impossible to convey the atmosphere of a Jarmusch film in a trailer: the tone, the overall feeling that the poetic delivery of the dialogue imparts, the way the score affects the mood. Obviously the cast is astounding, but most of the actors' appearances are little more than cameos. Still, it's nice to see people like Eszter Balint (Eva in Jarmusch's classic Stranger Than Paradise (1984) (review)) and Tom Waits (who hasn't appeared in a JJ film since 2003's Coffee And Cigarettes (and his segment was filmed in 1993)) show up. Bill Murray and Adam Driver have a great comic dynamic and do an excellent job carrying the film.
The Dead Don't Die comes recommended for those that are familiar with Jim Jarmusch's style and/or those that are seeking a different, lyrical zombie film. And remember two things: 1. The world is perfect. Appreciate the details. 2. If you stumble upon corpses that you think were attacked by the undead, first consider whether it might have been a wild animal. Or several wild animals.
You can find my Jim Jarmusch Feature Films Ranked list here.
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