"Paterson" (2016) Movie Review: A Quiet, Poetic Celebration of Everyday Life and the Art of Observation

Paterson (2016), directed by Jim Jarmusch, is a serene and meditative exploration of the beauty found in the ordinary moments of daily life. Set in the working-class city of Paterson, New Jersey, the film follows a bus driver named Paterson (Adam Driver) who spends his days driving a city bus and his nights writing poetry. Through Paterson’s experiences, Jarmusch crafts a quiet and deeply contemplative narrative about the act of creation, the rhythms of routine, and the relationships that shape us. The film is a celebration of simplicity, embracing the idea that profound beauty and meaning can be found in the smallest, most mundane of experiences.

Plot Overview

Paterson follows Paterson, a bus driver and poet living in Paterson, New Jersey. Paterson leads a seemingly ordinary life, but it’s in this simplicity that the film finds its poetry. Every day, Paterson wakes up at the same time, has breakfast with his wife, Laura (Golshifteh Farahani), goes to work driving a bus, and ends his evening by taking his dog, Marvin, for a walk and writing poems in his notebook. Throughout the film, we see him observe the world around him, the people he meets, and the beauty in the rhythms of life that many others overlook.

Paterson’s poems, which he writes in his spare time, are woven throughout the film, capturing the subtle details of life in Paterson—the city, its residents, the mundane moments, and the small wonders. His work is quiet, personal, and introspective, much like the film itself. As Paterson observes the world around him, he finds inspiration in the simple things—a child with a balloon, the sounds of the city, a conversation with a stranger.

At home, Paterson’s wife Laura is a contrast to his calm demeanor. She has big dreams and an ever-growing list of creative endeavors, from designing and making her own quilts to wanting to become a country music singer. Laura’s dreams stand in stark contrast to Paterson’s more subtle, grounded pursuit of poetry, but their love for each other is evident and deeply nurturing. Paterson’s daily life is a mix of routine and occasional small surprises—such as an unexpected encounter with a poet he admires or an unanticipated tragedy—but the core of the film is about the art of noticing and appreciating life’s ordinary moments.

Themes of Everyday Life, Art, and the Beauty of Routine

One of the central themes of Paterson is the celebration of everyday life. Jarmusch highlights the beauty in routine, showing that there is poetry in the most mundane tasks. Paterson’s life is simple: he drives a bus, writes poems, and walks his dog. Yet the film explores how these small actions are imbued with meaning when viewed through the lens of a reflective, artistic mind. The repetitiveness of Paterson’s life is not boring, but rather meditative and peaceful, allowing him the mental space to observe the world around him and to create.

The film also meditates on the nature of art and creativity. Paterson’s poetry is not about grand declarations or earth-shattering revelations. Instead, it is about capturing the quiet moments of life that often go unnoticed. His poetry is grounded in the simple act of observing—whether it’s the way the wind moves the trees, the rhythms of the city, or the gentle beauty of his interactions with people. Paterson is about the idea that art can be found in everything, and that poetry doesn’t have to come from extraordinary experiences but from the ordinary things we experience every day.

Another important theme in the film is the contrast between Paterson and Laura’s creative approaches. While Paterson’s art is calm, subtle, and contemplative, Laura is filled with ambition and dreams of grand success, such as becoming a country music star or showcasing her quilts. Their differing artistic expressions show that creativity takes many forms, and the value of art lies not in its recognition or external validation, but in the act of creation itself. While Paterson is content with his quiet life and work, Laura’s dreams are more outwardly ambitious. Their differences in approach to art and ambition illustrate how individuals find meaning and satisfaction in their own unique ways.

Character Development and Performances

Adam Driver delivers a standout performance as Paterson, capturing the character’s quiet introspection and calm demeanor with subtlety and grace. Paterson is not a man of many words, and Driver’s ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue is a testament to his skill as an actor. Through his understated performance, Driver allows the audience to feel Paterson’s depth—his love for poetry, his devotion to his wife, and his reflective nature. His portrayal is a study in restraint, and it perfectly suits the film’s meditative pace.

Golshifteh Farahani plays Laura, Paterson’s wife, with warmth and exuberance. Laura’s character serves as a foil to Paterson’s calm and measured personality, but the two have a deep connection rooted in love and mutual respect. Farahani brings an infectious energy to Laura, whose passion and creativity complement Paterson’s more reserved nature. The contrast between their personalities adds depth to their relationship, and the tenderness between them is one of the film’s most touching elements.

The supporting cast, including the characters Paterson encounters throughout his day, adds further richness to the narrative. These characters are often quirky or humorous, but they all contribute to the sense of community and connection that defines the film. The bus passengers, the bartender, and even the stray dog that Paterson and Laura adopt all play small but important roles in highlighting the interconnectedness of life in Paterson’s world.

Direction and Cinematography

David Jarmusch’s direction is masterful in its subtlety and simplicity. The film’s pacing is slow, allowing for quiet moments of introspection and observation. Jarmusch does not rush the story but instead allows the characters and their world to unfold naturally, giving the audience space to appreciate the small details of everyday life. This slow pacing reflects the central theme of the film—the beauty found in ordinary moments—and it allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the rhythms of Paterson’s life.

The cinematography by Frederick Elmes is visually striking, capturing the small details of Paterson’s world with rich, intimate shots. The city of Paterson is depicted not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the story. The camera lingers on the mundane—Paterson walking through the streets, riding the bus, sitting at the bar—which allows the viewer to find beauty in the ordinary, just as Paterson does in his poetry. The use of light, color, and composition in the cinematography complements the film’s contemplative tone, and the understated visuals enhance the emotional impact of the story.

Final Thoughts

Paterson (2016) is a beautifully quiet and contemplative film that celebrates the art of noticing and the beauty found in the everyday. Through its understated performances, particularly by Adam Driver and Golshifteh Farahani, and its meditative pacing, the film invites the audience to reflect on the ordinary aspects of life that often go unnoticed but are, in fact, filled with meaning and potential for artistic creation.

David Jarmusch’s direction, combined with the film’s rich cinematography and poignant themes, makes Paterson a deeply moving experience. It’s a film that encourages introspection, reminding us that art, beauty, and inspiration can be found in the most mundane moments. For anyone seeking a gentle, reflective film that explores the small but profound details of life, Paterson is a deeply rewarding experience.