luca kun Three stories about three sets of off beat characters, one scenario: Memphis. Mystery train is a clever and funny film in full Jarmush style; in my opinion it is an enjoyable and light hearted film constructed in such a way that as the plot proceeds, the audience begins to pay attention to various details used as a way to connect the three stories together. I enjoyed particularly the first story which depicted the Japanese couple on a discovery tour of Memphis, here Jarmush's interest for the human's behaviour is evident as the couple relationship, although it might seem to be almost comical, is in fact a quite realistic stereotyipical representation of a Japanese relationship.Definitely worth watching it if you are into independent "no mainstream" films.

Egwin This is a quite an original film and interesting too. What is great is the fact that Jarmusch can balance all three stories and make them all work.Far From Yokohama- A good segment. I thought that the two Asian newcomers were very appealing and interesting to watch. Contains a lot about Japanese culture and beliefs as well. Main fault: It plods suddenly when they get to the hotel.A Ghost- The weakest. This could have been better. One thing I did not like was the uninteresting woman played by Roberto Benigni's wife. I think that she is unappealing and should not have been cast. I also think that the Elvis ghost thing was silly. A disappointment.Lost In Space- The best, by far. This is hilarious and well-written. Joe Strummer is great playing a drunk the entire movie. Rick Aviles is also quite amusing as Will Robinson. Buscemi is the best, though, as the man who keeps whining about how he got himself into the situation of this tale. This is basically what makes the movie worth it.I think that all three of them were decent. Special kudos to Lee and Screaming Jay as the two constantly arguing hotel receptionists. They are the source of what maybe the funniest moment, which is the plum scene. Also good is the short bit of Lee taking the fly swatter and hitting the fake fly. A completely original film about Elvis's spirit in Memphis. This is quintessential Jarmusch.***1/2 out of ****

Andres Salama I'm not much of a fan of Jim Jarmusch, but 1989's Mystery Train (his fourth film and first one in color) is quite engaging in they way it tells three minimalist stories occurring in what is presumably the seedier side of Memphis. An Elvis motif runs through all the episodes, which are set mostly in a rundown hotel during one night (Blues legend Screaming Jay Hawkins plays the clerk). In the first episode, a young Japanese couple arrives in the town which gave birth to rock and roll (she is quirky, he is impassive; she loves Elvis, he Carl Perkins). In the second episode, an Italian woman (Niccoleta Braschi) whose husband has just died has to spend a night in Memphis. She shares the room in the hotel with a talkative American woman (Elizabeth Bracco). During the night, she imagines or sees the ghost of Elvis. In the third episode, a British guy who is called Elvis by his lowlife friends, and who has just broken with the woman of the second episode (and is played by the late Clash guitarist Joe Strummer) more or less accidentally shots a liquor shop seller, and has to take refuge in the hotel, along with his brother in law (played by Steve Buscemi). A gunshot heard during the night sort of links the three episodes. Nothing much happens, but Jarmusch shows his love with American pop culture and his fine ear for the way the American working class talk everyday.

postmanwhoalwaysringstwice "Mystery Train" is a peculiar little piece of film-making and very true to Jim Jarmusch's unpredictable style. It's told in three vignettes of varying interest, but shot with an eye for detail and a deep interest in character. The movie is heavy on atmosphere, as noted with many of the shot choices and as heard on the terrific soundtrack. The city of Memphis is clearly the main character, and perhaps gives purpose to the slow pace of the piece. It tends to drag, but the visual nature and overall charm of several of the characters is enough to keep the viewer propelled forward. Top it off with a fantastic characterization by Screamin' Jay Hawkins as a hotel desk clerk, and this is an easily recommended film.