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Paterson is a 2016 independent drama film directed by Jim Jarmusch and stars Adam Driver, Golshifteh Farahani, and Nellie. The film tells the story of a bus driver named Paterson, who leads a simple and repetitive life in the city of Paterson, New Jersey. However, beneath the monotony of his daily routine lies a poet with a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around him.

The movie is set over the course of one week in Paterson's life. Each day, he wakes up at the same time, goes through the same routine, and takes his bus on the same route, where he is able to observe his passengers and take in the details of his surroundings. Throughout the film, we see Paterson write poetry in his free time, drawing inspiration from moments of beauty and tragedy that he experiences on his daily route.

Paterson's life is not without its challenges, though. His girlfriend, Laura, has big dreams and desires to start her own cupcake business. She constantly changes her mind about what she wants and is always trying new things, which frustrates Paterson. However, despite their differences, they share a deep love for each other, and Laura's creativity and optimism serve to complement Paterson's more reserved nature.

The film is a character study that explores the depth and richness of a simple and ordinary life. Paterson finds beauty in the mundane aspects of his daily routine, and the film's pacing and attention to detail reflect this. Jarmusch creates a slow, meditative atmosphere that allows the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the world he has created.

One of the film's most striking elements is its use of repetition. The same basic plot points and visual motifs repeat throughout the film, which creates a sense of familiarity and comfort for the viewer. However, each repetition also contains subtle differences that add depth and nuance to the characters and their relationships. For example, Paterson's conversations with his passengers on the bus take different directions each day, revealing new aspects of their personalities and histories.

Adam Driver gives a nuanced performance as Paterson, bringing depth and complexity to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Driver's expressive eyes and measured delivery convey a range of emotions, from quiet contemplation to deep sorrow. Golshifteh Farahani also shines as Laura, imbuing her character with a sense of vivacity and passion that contrasts with Paterson's more measured approach to life.

In addition to its exploration of character and repetition, Paterson also touches on broader themes of creativity, art, and meaning. Paterson's poetry is a central aspect of the film, serving as a commentary on the beauty and tragedy of everyday life. His poems are not grandiose or lofty but are instead grounded in the mundane details of his daily routine. This emphasis on the small and quotidian speaks to the idea that art can be found in the smallest moments and that a creative life is not necessarily one of grand aspirations but rather one of attentiveness and reflection.

Overall, Paterson is a slow and meditative film that rewards careful attention and patience. Through its use of repetition and its exploration of character, it offers a nuanced and insightful portrait of a life lived quietly and with purpose. Adam Driver's performance is a standout, as are the film's beautiful visuals and quiet pacing. It is a film that celebrates the beauty and value of the small things and is a reminder that meaning and richness can be found in the most unexpected places.

Paterson is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 90.