Whitaker, practicing the way.

JB

Shawn

JB: Jarmusch films are very much like getting into a hot bath. At first, it's really uncomfortable, causing you to balk and jump out, but as you settle in it's just right.

Shawn: Man, that was really messed up.

JB: Yeah, in hindsight, I probably should've skipped that. Anyway, Ghost Dog is the story of, you guessed it, Ghost Dog, a hitman who lives the code of Hagakure, the way of the Samurai. Unfortunately he works for the mob who, after a problematic hit, want him dead. Film is executed masterfully, full of Jarmusch's typical long shots and vivid stylings. Music by RZA, a la Wu Tang, is also impressive and adds a nice flavor to the film. Whitaker is incredible in the film, pouring a great deal of emotion out of such a stereotypically dispassionate character. Most entertaining is the dialogue between Ghost and Louie, his best friend. A surprising amount of sentiment for a Jarmusch film, but a great addition to the library of one of my favorite directors. Watch for the quick cameo by Gary Farmer who plays, well, Nobody.

Shawn: Like Jarmusch's other films, this one has a slow, sedated quality and unexpected humor. The humor is a treat-- the gangster who enjoys rapping, the French Ice Cream Man, and the fact that the gangsters watch nothing but cartoons. The integration of passages from the Way of the Samurai book is a creative way to represent each of the themes presented in the movie. I have never been as much of a fan of Jarmusch movies as JB is, since the subdued tone leaves me kind of numb, but I still enjoyed Ghost Dog. Probably the most mainstream-viewer-friendly movie Jarmusch has made to date.

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