In Jim Jarmusch’s new film, Adam Driver plays the titular role, Paterson, a bus driver in the city of Paterson, New Jersey. Yes, they share the name and, as it turns out, much more than that.
Each and every day, Paterson adheres to a simple routine: he drives his daily route, observing the city as it drifts across his windshield and overhearing fragments of conversation swirling around him.
The routine consists of writing poetry into a notebook; walking his dog, Marvin; stopping in a bar, drinking exactly one beer.
He then goes home to his loyal and loving wife, Laura. By contrast, Laura’s world is ever changing. New dreams come to her almost daily, each a different and inspired project. Paterson loves Laura and she loves him. He supports her newfound ambitions; she champions his gift for poetry.
The film quietly observes the triumphs and defeats of daily life, along with the poetry evident in its smallest details.
