There’s a line from the poet William Blake’s Auguries of Innocence often quoted in the film: “Some are born to sweet delight. Some are born to endless night.” This could describe a dichotomy of viewer experiences with Dead Man.
After this, I feel like I should give this one another go. Watched it too young and stupid, and Neil Young's grinding guitar wore on my nerves a bit. But this is a hell of a write-up.
I personally think the improvised soundtrack is something special. I've considered purchasing the record pressing, but it's become a fairly expensive collectible.
About a decade ago I saw this at a giant theater (one screener from the 1920s) as part of a double bill. First The Lone Ranger followed by Dead Man. Both on 35mm. I fell in love with this movie then.
After this, I feel like I should give this one another go. Watched it too young and stupid, and Neil Young's grinding guitar wore on my nerves a bit. But this is a hell of a write-up.
I personally think the improvised soundtrack is something special. I've considered purchasing the record pressing, but it's become a fairly expensive collectible.
Oh, don't get me wrong - it's totally special, I just had limited tolerance back in the day, so I'm interested to see if it still grates.
"You're like a dull knife that won't stop cutting/You're just talking loud and saying nothing."
About a decade ago I saw this at a giant theater (one screener from the 1920s) as part of a double bill. First The Lone Ranger followed by Dead Man. Both on 35mm. I fell in love with this movie then.
Jarmusch certainly has a unique sense of humor in his work. Dry yet poetic.