Coffee and Cigarettes

Made up of a series of conversations over coffee and cigarettes, this modern black and white film is surprisingly compelling. It consists of eleven different conversations; Strange Place to Meet, Twins, Somewhere in California, Those Things'll Kill ya, Renée, No Problem, Cousins, Jack Shows Meg his Tesla Coil, Cousins?, Delirium, and Champagne. Each is set in a different café, with the layout and ambiance of each scene carefully designed to suit the conversation content and formality; ranging from a laid-back coffee shop, to the higher class, slightly pretentious café. Although each conversation is unique, there are similar themes and ideas running throughout all.  Every conversation, for example, investigates the effects of caffeine and nicotine on the actor, although some through more discrete means than others.

Coffee and Cigarettes consists of a series of cameo appearances from American, English, Australian and even Italian celebrities. Keep an eye out, especially for Iggy Pop's performance in 'Somewhere in California', Cate Blanchett's outstanding performance in 'Cousins?', and Bill Murray in 'Delirium'. Credit must also be paid to the comedic performances of Meg and Jack White, in their discussion of Tesla's contribution to the world of Physics, and to the world as a whole, and Roberto Benigni's performance in 'Strange Place to Meet'. This amazingly well varied cast of the world's famous and infamous, also features Rza and Dza from the Wu Tang Clan and Steve Coogan.

If you love modern, intellectual films, then this is right up your street. Family relationships, fame, and old age are just a few of the concepts that this deeply thought-provoking film examines in a delicately abstract manner. However, if action- packed films with great special effects and a story are more your scene, then you may find this slightly tedious and bitty.

Natalie Ashkar