Coffee and Cigarettes

Synopsis

"Coffee and Cigarettes" is a 1986 black-and-white anthology film directed by Jim Jarmusch. The movie consists of a series of vignettes centered around conversations over coffee and cigarettes, revealing quirky, humorous, and thought-provoking interactions between a diverse cast of characters. Roberto Benigni stars in one of these segments, where his trademark energy and comic timing contribute to the film’s distinctive style. The film’s minimalistic setup and witty dialogues explore themes of culture, relationships, and everyday minutiae, creating an intimate and often surreal atmosphere. Its unique structure and offbeat humor make it a cult favorite among fans of indie cinema and experimental storytelling.

Cast

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  Roberto Benigni

  Roberto

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  Steven Wright

  Steven

Reviews

Critically, "Coffee and Cigarettes" has been praised for its inventive narrative structure and strong ensemble performances. On IMDb, it holds a respectable rating of 7.1/10, reflecting generally favorable audience reception. Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t have a direct score for the 1986 version specifically but the later expanded version (released in 2003) often cites the original’s charm as a foundation, with many critics highlighting the film’s clever dialogue and understated humor. The film's episodic nature was seen as both a strength and a limitation; some reviewers appreciated the vignette style for its sharp, punchy observations, while others felt it fragmented the viewing experience. Metacritic has entries primarily for the later full-length version but acknowledges Jim Jarmusch’s signature minimalist approach and wit, which originated with this initial film. Roberto Benigni’s appearance is often singled out for adding spirited comic relief amidst the film's laid-back tone. Overall, "Coffee and Cigarettes" is regarded as an influential indie film that appeals particularly to those who enjoy offbeat, conversational cinema.

See also

Titanic

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Oppenheimer

Stand by Me