Jim Jarmusch’s Paterson (2016) is a quiet, poetic exploration of everyday life, creativity, and the beauty hidden in routine. It stars Adam Driver in one of his most subtle and introspective performances, portraying a man who finds poetry not in grandeur, but in the simple flow of existence.
Detailed Summary
The Life of Paterson, the Man and the City
The film follows Paterson, a bus driver in the city of Paterson, New Jersey, who lives a life of calm repetition. He wakes up early each morning beside his wife Laura (Golshifteh Farahani), drives his bus, writes poems in his notebook, walks their dog Marvin in the evening, and stops for a drink at his local bar.
Every day mirrors the last — yet within that monotony, Paterson finds rhythm and inspiration. He writes small, delicate poems about things like matchboxes, milk, and love — reflections of the subtle beauty around him.
Laura’s Dreams and Energy
In contrast, Laura is full of ambition and whimsical creativity. One day she wants to be a country music singer, another day she wants to open a cupcake business. Her black-and-white aesthetic fills their small home with quirky charm, and she constantly supports Paterson’s poetry, even though he never shows it to anyone else.
The Poetry of Everyday Life
Throughout the week, the film subtly captures the conversations Paterson overhears on his bus — people talking about relationships, lost loves, or dreams. These mundane dialogues feed his artistic soul.
He also meets a young girl who writes poetry. Her verses mirror his — pure, observational, and untouched by pretension. This encounter reminds him of his own beginnings, affirming his quiet commitment to art for art’s sake.
Marvin, the Jealous Dog
The only real tension comes from Marvin, Laura’s bulldog. Marvin clearly resents Paterson and becomes a silent rival for Laura’s affection. The dog’s presence brings gentle humor but also foreshadows heartbreak.
The Notebook Disaster
After a week of quiet rhythm, disaster strikes. One evening, while Paterson and Laura are out at a movie, Marvin destroys his poetry notebook — his life’s work. Every poem, written by hand, is gone.
This moment is devastating not through dramatics, but through silence. Paterson doesn’t shout or cry. He simply sits, stunned, as his art — his inner world — is erased.
Movie Ending
In the final act, Paterson visits his favorite spot by the waterfall — a place where he often sits to think and write. He has lost his poems, and for the first time, he seems directionless.
There, he meets a Japanese tourist (played by Masatoshi Nagase) who recognizes him as a fellow poet. The man speaks about the importance of poetry, creativity, and seeing the world anew. Before leaving, the tourist gives Paterson a blank notebook.
This gesture reignites something within him. Paterson opens the notebook and begins writing again, quietly, calmly — as if starting life over. The film closes with him returning home, the rhythm of life continuing.
The ending symbolizes rebirth — a reaffirmation that creativity is not lost with one notebook. Art exists in the person, not the page. What was destroyed can be remade. It’s not a grand finale, but a deeply human one — meditative, hopeful, and true to the film’s philosophy.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Paterson does not have a post-credits scene. The film concludes with its understated ending, allowing viewers to sit with the emotion and reflection of Paterson’s quiet rebirth. There are no hidden sequences or teasers afterward — fitting for a movie that celebrates stillness and finality.
Type of Movie
Paterson is a drama and slice-of-life film infused with poetic realism. It’s less about plot and more about rhythm, daily existence, and finding beauty in the ordinary.
Cast
- Adam Driver as Paterson
- Golshifteh Farahani as Laura
- Nellie as Marvin (the dog, and yes — a scene-stealer)
- Masatoshi Nagase as The Japanese Poet
- Barry Shabaka Henley as Doc
- William Jackson Harper as Everett
- Chasten Harmon as Marie
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Sqürl, Jim Jarmusch’s own band with Carter Logan. The music blends minimal guitar, ambient tones, and gentle repetition — mirroring the film’s themes of cyclical beauty. The soundscape feels like poetry itself, never overwhelming the visuals but flowing through them.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed entirely in Paterson, New Jersey, the real city that inspired the story and the 19th-century poet William Carlos Williams, who wrote the epic poem Paterson.
The authentic location adds weight to the film’s exploration of local identity — Paterson, the man, becomes one with Paterson, the city. The old streets, factories, and waterfalls aren’t just backdrops; they’re extensions of the protagonist’s inner world.
Awards and Nominations
Paterson was widely acclaimed by critics and received several awards and nominations, including:
- Palm Dog Award (Cannes Film Festival 2016) – won by Nellie the Dog
- Independent Spirit Award – nominations for Best Feature and Best Male Lead (Adam Driver)
- National Society of Film Critics – Runner-up for Best Actor (Driver)
While it didn’t sweep major award shows, it became a favorite among film critics and cinephiles for its restraint and poetic soul.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Jim Jarmusch wrote the script specifically with Adam Driver in mind after being impressed by his performance in Girls.
- The film’s poems were written by real poet Ron Padgett, whose works deeply influenced Jarmusch.
- The dog Nellie passed away shortly after filming; the Cannes award dedicated to her was both heartfelt and bittersweet.
- Adam Driver actually learned to drive a bus for the role — he trained with real New Jersey Transit drivers.
- Jarmusch encouraged improvisation in everyday moments, such as bar conversations, to enhance realism.
Inspirations and References
The film draws heavily from William Carlos Williams’ poem “Paterson”, which explores the relationship between man and city through verse.
Other inspirations include:
- The writings of Frank O’Hara and Robert Creeley
- The transcendental simplicity of Haiku poetry
- Jarmusch’s fascination with Zen philosophy and the beauty of repetition
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings, but a few small scenes were trimmed for pacing — including additional bus conversations and minor interactions with Laura. Jarmusch preferred to keep the film’s rhythm symmetrical, mirroring Paterson’s weeklong cycle.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Although not a direct adaptation, the film is inspired by literature, especially the long poem Paterson by William Carlos Williams.
The key difference: the poem explores the collective consciousness of a city; the film internalizes this into one man’s life. Where Williams’ work is sprawling and social, Jarmusch’s is intimate and minimal.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Paterson’s first poem about matches — gentle, sincere, setting the tone for his art.
- Laura’s cupcake dream sequence, full of enthusiasm and hope.
- The heartbreaking discovery of the destroyed notebook.
- The encounter with the Japanese poet at the waterfall — the quiet emotional climax.
Iconic Quotes
- “Poetry in translation is like taking a shower with a raincoat on.”
- “Would you rather be a fish?” – recurring lyric that becomes a symbol of contentment.
- “The most beautiful things are what we overlook every day.”
- “Without love, what reason is there for anything?”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The bus passengers reference real events and poems from William Carlos Williams’ works.
- The Japanese poet’s camera model is the same one used by Jarmusch in his early filmmaking days.
- The couple’s home décor subtly mirrors yin and yang — Paterson’s quiet balance and Laura’s vibrant chaos.
- Every day of the week mirrors the previous one in dialogue structure, reflecting the film’s theme of repetition and variation.
Trivia
- Adam Driver served in the U.S. Marine Corps before becoming an actor, and Jarmusch said his discipline was perfect for Paterson’s structured lifestyle.
- The waterfall scene was filmed in the exact spot where William Carlos Williams drew inspiration for his poem.
- The film was shot in natural light, adding to its grounded, documentary-like realism.
Why Watch?
Because Paterson is not about what happens — it’s about how it feels to live. It’s a meditation on art, love, and the quiet persistence of human creativity. For anyone who has ever written a line of poetry on a napkin, or found beauty in the dull rhythm of a daily commute, this film will resonate deeply.
Director’s Other Movies
- Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
- Broken Flowers (2005)
- Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)
- Dead Man (1995)
- Stranger Than Paradise (1984)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Lost in Translation (2003)
- Columbus (2017)
- Before Sunrise (1995)
- The Straight Story (1999)
- The Man Who Sleeps (1974)
