“Mystery Train,” directed by Jim Jarmusch and released in 1989, is a quirky anthology film that weaves together three separate but interconnected stories set in Memphis, Tennessee, all taking place in the same run-down hotel throughout one night. The film stars Masatoshi Nagase as Jun, A Japanese tourist obsessed with Elvis Presley. Yûki Kudô as Mitzuko: Jun’s girlfriend who becomes disillusioned with their relationship. Other notable cast include Screamin’ Jay Hawkins as the Night Clerk, Cinqué Lee, Steve Buscemi, Joe Strummer, and Tom Waits.
The film is divided into three segments, each focusing on different characters:
- Far from Yokohama: Jun and Mitsuko, a young Japanese couple, arrive in Memphis to immerse themselves in the city’s musical history. They check into the same hotel, where they encounter cultural misunderstandings, and their relationship faces strains, leading Mitsuko to reevaluate their romance.
- A Ghost: The story follows a woman named Luisa, played by Nicoletta Braschi, who finds herself stranded at the hotel after the death of her husband. She interacts with various eccentric characters, including the night clerk, as she copes with her loss.
- Lost in Space: This segment revolves around a trio of locals: two inept burglars, Charlie and Johnny, who bungle a robbery attempt at the hotel, and a mysterious, disoriented woman they encounter.
These seemingly disparate stories unfold throughout the night, intersecting and influencing one another. The characters’ paths cross, and their experiences reveal themes of cultural clashes, loneliness, and the mystique of Memphis as the birthplace of American music.
“Mystery Train” is celebrated for its offbeat storytelling and atmospheric depiction of Memphis. Jim Jarmusch captures the essence of the city’s musical heritage while exploring the lives of its diverse characters, all interconnected by the events of one eventful night.
The Other Cinema 