“To dwell is to garden.”
― Martin Heidegger
“You know Paterson, right?”
Jim Jarmusch’s movie Paterson is an understated masterpiece that uncovers remarkable beauty in the simplicity of life. The story revolves around the experiences of Paterson, a bus driver and poet living in Paterson, New Jersey. While the film may appear uneventful on the surface it is this quietness that holds its charm. For those who appreciate reflecting on life through cinema, Paterson provides a thoughtful exploration reminiscent of the philosophies of Henri Lefebvre and Martin Heidegger.
“A bus driver in Paterson…this is very poetic.”
In his work The Critique of Everyday Life Henri Lefebvre emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the significance within our rituals. He argues that true life unfolds within these moments often overlooked as trivial. Lefebvre boldly states, “Our search for the human takes us too far, too ‘deep’, we seek it in the clouds or in mysteries, whereas it is waiting for us, besieging us on all sides. We will not find it in myths — although human facts carry with them a long and magnificent procession of legends, tales and songs, poems and dances. All we need do is simply to open our eyes, to leave the dark world of metaphysics and the false depths of the ‘inner life’ behind, and we will discover the immense human wealth that the humblest facts of everyday life contain.” In Paterson this concept is vividly portrayed as we witness Paterson engaging in meaningful activities such as driving his bus, composing poetry during breaks, walking his dog, and sharing peaceful evenings with his wife Laura. Through these routines Jarmusch effectively delves into the depth and richness of Paterson’s world. The film serves as a tribute to existence encouraging viewers to discover magic in their own day to day lives.
Lefebvre believed that by focusing on the aspects of life we can gain an insight into our existence. Paterson’s poetry, inspired by his observations exemplifies this notion. He explores topics, like having a beer at the bar and Ohio Blue Tip matches – subjects that through his simple poetic perspective unveil profound truths. This echoes Lefebvre’s idea that everyday experiences can spark creativity and philosophical contemplation. Paterson’s poems not only describe objects but also captures the moments and emotions that infuse those objects with significance.
“Sometimes an empty page presents the most possibilities.”
In Being and Time Martin Heidegger delves into the essence of existence and our connection to the world around us. Heidegger’s concept of “being in the world” suggests that our being is inseparable from our environment and daily actions. This concept is beautifully reflected in Paterson. The protagonist’s identity is intertwined with his surroundings and daily routines. His interactions with people, the urban landscape and his writing habits all shape his sense of self. Heideggers philosophy urges us to embrace our encounters as fundamental to our existence. He encapsulates these notions into the very vocabulary he uses frequently such as “everydayness” and “Dasein”. Dasein meaning ‘existence’ but perhaps used as a kind of all-encompassing word for existence that is aware of it’s existence while practically engaging with one’s environment.
Paterson’s life follows a rhythm of the passage of time. Heidegger suggested that embracing our lives genuinely can lead to an understanding of ourselves. Paterson’s satisfaction, with his life and his ability to find happiness and inspiration in ‘ordinary’ things demonstrate this involvement. He is more content with the moment and his immediate surroundings than longing for a different life or more recognition. This reflects an idea in Heidegger’s philosophy. Finding significance in the present not in some distant idealized future.
“Water falls from the bright air.”
Jarmusch’s movie serves as a reminder that beauty and meaning often lie in simple moments rather than grand gestures or extraordinary events. Paterson’s quiet life celebrates the beauty of the ordinary echoing the philosophies of Lefebvre and Heidegger. It challenges us to view our lives to value small details and to discover beauty in the mundane.
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Conclusion
When we go about our routine mundane activities, we should perhaps take a moment to stop and reflect. Observe the patterns, interactions, the insignificant details around you.
Embrace the idea of finding beauty and meaning in life like Paterson did. Remember, in life, true essence lies in the simplicity of these seemingly insignificant moments which turn out to be truly beautiful.
