In Jim Jarmush’ punky debut film Permanent Vacation, blessed with a fabulous jazzy soundtrack, we follow the ultracool jazz-lover Allie Parker who is passing his days in a barely furnished New York apartment. Keen to follow in the footsteps of jazz legend Charlie Parker, this conceited Don Quixote is actually on the run from responsibility of any kind. The young waster wanders around in a seemingly post-apocalyptic New York, apparently looking for the meaning of his existence and meeting a host of bizarre characters along the way.
After making this film, director Jim Jarmush went on to become one of America’s most successful independent, artistic filmmakers. He caused a furore with such films as ‘Stranger than Paradise’ (1984), ‘Down by Law’ (1986), ‘Mystery Train’ (1989), ‘Dead Man’ (1995) and ‘Broken Flowers’.
LOOKING FOR AMERICA
In the run-up to the American presidential elections, this autumn Movie W is turning its curious gaze on the United States. Themed ‘Looking for America’, three thought-provoking films will be screened in October and November. All Americans dream, but for many the dream never becomes reality. Perhaps because they have the wrong background, or no education or family or money. These films take a closer look. The 3 titles you can watch: Permanent Vacation, Stop the Pounding Heart and The Other Side