Broken Flowers (2005)

Jim Jarmusch scores on a minor note with this story of Bill Murray trying to find his long-lost son by tracking down his former lady loves. The acting talent does a lot to keep one interested in the somber Murray's trek, with his exes being played by the likes of Jennifer Lange, Tilda Swinton, and Sharon Stone. The various encounters between Murray and the women provide the film with a vignette-style approach that is very indicative of Jarmusch (remember his first film, Stranger Than Paradise, was told solely through 9-minute long scenes). Murray's central performance is quite nuanced and real, but also reminiscent of his performance in the lesser Lost in Translation. Jeffrey Wright, as a friend who assists him in plotting out his quest, is much more extraordinary, inhabiting his role completely and registering so likably that he almost dilutes Murray's plight; with a best friend as charming as Wright, how come he feels so lonely?

Recommended for fans of mature indie dramas, Murray, Wright, or Jarmusch. Worth putting up with the slow (even for Jarmusch) pace.