a review of 唯爱永生

Ever since I saw Night on Earth in 1991, Jim Jarmusch can't really do anything wrong to me. I've got a soft spot for his original, distinct cinematic style, characterized by atmospheric photography and music, beautiful screen compositions, intriguing characters and a poetic tone. Only Lovers Left Alive is not his best work in my humble opinion. It's a slow, nocturnal portrait of reclusive modern-day vampires, larded with dry humor in typical Jarmusch style, but there's also a layer of sadness and despair throughout the film. While the plot is borderline boring, Jarmusch manages to keep it interesting. The film feels comforting, like listening to a smooth jazz radio station when you can't sleep during a sultry midsummer night.